Farmers Weekly NZ February 18 2019

3 Major new disease threat Vol 18 No 6, February 18, 2019

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Hungry cities eat land As well as being urged to produce more from less while satisfying environmental critics farmers are also being squeezed by pressure for more land for housing and forestry. This week Farmers Weekly journalists Richard Rennie and Neal Wallace begin taking an in-depth look at how much land has been lost and how much more could still be lost as a billion trees are planted to create a low-carbon economy while another 100,000 homes are built.

A

S THE Government grapples with building another 100,000 homes just to meet shortages, planners and producers are nervously watching continued population growth, much which will be in the country’s key farm produce regions.

Until 2016 New Zealand was losing just over 100,000 hectares a year of growing land, whether to urban development or the proliferation of lifestyle blocks increasing by 5800 a year.

Economist Shamubeel Eaqub has challenged the Government to deliver a policy that integrates population growth, environment and food policies to better manage the country’s bill-paying land resource.

Auckland city has swallowed 10,500ha of high-quality land.

And based on past experience he has good reason to be concerned.

Auckland city has swallowed 10,500ha of high-quality land over the past 35 years, with a growth rate of about 3% adding 21,000 extra people a year.

Population predictions are that things won’t slow and Auckland will gain another 26,000 people a year between now and 2050,

LAND

taking its population to 2.3 million.

The fears of Eaqub and horticultural producers are that the past will be repeated and at least another 10,000ha of highquality soils will go under urban expansion to house Auckland’s extra 500,000 people by 2050.

The loss is doubled because not only is the soil lost but the population that needs feeding from remaining land will have grown by a third.

But down the motorway Waikato and Bay of Plenty growth predictions are just as high, with further soil loss to homes likely.

Those regions, growing by 30%, will by 2050, add another 200,000 people, equal to Hamilton’s population today.

Combined, the total extra population of the triangle formed by Tauranga, Hamilton and Auckland will have an extra 750,000 mouths to feed.

Meantime, the Government is weighing up a Productivity Commission report on a lowcarbon economy by 2050 that supports a move to more plantbased food production, itself requiring more quality, flat land.

FEELING THE PINCH: Bay of Plenty farmer Andrew Dovaston can see suburbia’s inexorable march towards his farm. He’s got mixed feelings about what that means for him and his family. He tells his story on page 4.

Photo: Jamie Troughton

Economic and public policy research agency Motu recommends shifting from meat and milk production to horticulture, requiring at least 100,000ha more horticultural land and possibly up to 250,000ha.

It is a conflict not lost on cropping and produce growers.

Horticulture NZ general manager John Seymour said the fact no two soils are the same and

nor are the regions they are found in is often lost on policy makers who model land loss in one area as a simple problem solved by using soil in a less populated area.

“But, as we know, it is not as simple as that, with the challenges of growing conditions and the cost of transport from those areas to the market.”

And none of that takes account

of the squeeze on productive land from the other direction as the Government’s Billion Trees scheme gets going.

NEXT WEEK:

The choice we face: Houses or food?

MORE: FARMER TALKS DATA DETAIL

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW The drier than normal weather continues this week but we have a wild card – Cyclone Oma. The jury’s still out on the exact tracking of this storm beyond Friday but we might get a set-up that supports some rain for the North Island.

It’s a complicated forecast with quite a few moving parts – the storm itself, a large high over Tasmania that is powerful and trying to move in plus a cold front moving up the South Island late week. We might get just bit of wet weather or it might be more widespread. This week looks dry and still pretty hot inland and to the north. We hope to lock in more about Oma in our online update on Tuesday.

7 Big response to fire feed call The response to a call to help fire-ravaged Nelson farmers has been just a little more than overwhelming for the couple of Cantabrians who made it.

More time for on-job training �������������������������������������� 10 End of tenure review comes as no surprise ���������������� 12 Feds vow to back a new wool levy ������������������������������� 15

Newsmaker ������������������������������������������������������22 New Thinking ��������������������������������������������������23 Opinion ������������������������������������������������������������24

ON FARM STORY

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Rain Another mainly dry week this week.

It’s drier than normal in most regions except the West Coast and maybe some parts of Southland and Otago.

Humid northeast winds late week might see a few upper North Island afternoon downpours.

Temperature Hot at times this week, especially inland where highs of 30C are still possible. We will have a coupe of cooler changes though in coastal areas, especially in the south, around mid week then again on Friday and Saturday.

Wind A lot of high pressure around New Zealand this week so expect a lot of light winds, sea breezes and afternoon lake breezes. Late week northerly quarter winds develop across many parts of the country.

Highlights/ Extremes Drier than normal this week and warmer than normal in many inland and northern areas. A big focus now is on the tropics and Cyclone Oma, not forecast to directly hit NZ but one to watch as it might bring some rain.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

Pasture growth will continue to drop or stall completely in some areas as the big dry continues but we do have some chances of soaking rain should Cyclone Oma influence our weather enough. This week sees more dominant high pressure which will keep most places dry, and hot inland, which will only slow pasture growth further. But late week and this weekend there is a chance for soaking rains but it is not yet locked in because of Oma’s uncertainty.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 15/02/2019

26 Making a healthy living Taranaki duck farmers Dawn and Glen Bendall are earning a living out of making people, including themselves, healthier. Luke Chivers reports.

REGULARS Real Estate �������������������������������������������������31-38 Employment ����������������������������������������������������39 Classifieds ��������������������������������������������������39-40 Livestock ����������������������������������������������������41-43 Markets �������������������������������������������������������44-48 GlobalHQ is a farming family owned business that donates 1% of advertising revenue to the Rural Support Trust. Thanks to our Farmers Weekly and Dairy Farmer advertisers this week: $926.

Need help now? You can talk to someone who understands the pressures of farming by phoning your local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

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For more weather information go to farmersweekly.co.nz/weather

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

3

New foot and mouth threat to NZ Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz AN EMERGENCY all-agriculture meeting to discuss tighter border controls is being considered after Australian authorities seized imported meat containing foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.

“There’s some pretty sinister things coming in (to Australia) and with New Zealand tourism following similar patterns this is a real wake up call for the industry and needs to be treated with the utmost seriousness by our own border agencies,” NZ Pork chairman Eric Roy said.

Given the level of African swine fever detected in intercepted products has grown from 5% to 15% in the space of a month is an extremely sobering indication of how much that risk is increasing.

Eric Roy NZ Pork “The discovery of FMD in the latest samples of products found in Australia should be of particular concern for anyone in the livestock sector.

“It really raises the stakes for not only NZ’s pork industry but all of NZ’s agricultural industry.

“NZ cannot allow its desire to maximise tourism opportunities to compromise the integrity of our biosecurity and place our largest industry at risk,” he said.

Rising levels of potentially disastrous diseases detected at the Australian border have NZ pork

producers re-energised in their drive to tighten up on biosecurity.

Among the diseases discovered are FMD and ASF in illegally imported pork products seized by Australian authorities for testing from incoming passengers and mail.

The latest samples collected in late January and early February by the Australian Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) confirmed ASF was present in 15% of samples, a significant jump from the 5% of products that tested ASF-positive in December.

DAWR also confirmed foot and mouth disease in a small number of the samples.

While the country of origin for the FMD has not been disclosed, it’s product picked up and that’s a high alert, Roy said.

So NZ Pork is exploring the option of an industry-wide meeting to review the levels of risk and consider what more can be done to protect against deadly livestock diseases entering NZ. “At the same time we are repeating our calls for the Minister of Agriculture, Biosecurity, Food Safety and Rural Communities Damien O’Connor to provide reassurance that we are taking all possible action, including our own testing of samples, at the border.”

Australian Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has called for a zero-tolerance policy for travellers failing to declare plant and animal material.

Roy agreed saying no compromises should be made over biosecurity and passengers found with illegal foods should be put on the next flight home.

“The $400 fine is not sending a strong enough message.

“While we appreciate the samples tested were prevented from entering Australia, what about the illegal material that’s not seized or surrendered at the border?

“The ever-present fear is what

Better

RED ALERT: With increasing levels of disastrous diseases detected on New Zealand’s doorstep, NZ Pork chairman Eric Roy says NZ must take it extremely seriously.

would happen to our industry if even a small amount of infected pork gets through the NZ border,” Roy said.

“Given the level of ASF detected in intercepted products has grown from 5% to 15% in the space of a month is an extremely sobering indication of how much that risk is increasing.”

Despite considerable effort to stop it, ASF is continuing to spread through Europe and has become widespread in China.

The deadly pig disease, while not harmful to humans, has no effective treatment or vaccine so would be devastating to the welfare of the animals and the livelihoods of farmers in the local industry.

NZ’s commercial pig farming industry has one of the highest health statuses in the world.

Roy said the major threat to the local industry is that infected meat gets into the lifestyle or para-commercial pig population through the feeding of uncooked food scraps, a practice that is banned but still occurs when hobby farmers are unaware of the risks.

NZ’s wild pig population could also come into contact with food waste, which has been a contributing factor to the ongoing ASF problem in Europe.

Almost 60% of pork eaten in NZ is imported from more than 25 countries including China, Poland and Belgium, which are identified as having ASF, as well as Denmark and Spain.

While Australia remains ASF-free an outbreak there would pose considerable risk given the country is the fourth-

largest exporter of pork to NZ. The scale of the trans-Tasman tourism market would also create a greater risk of visitors carrying the disease in pork products or on clothing and footwear.

“Without testing of our own samples we can’t get a full picture of the risk to NZ and what additional measures need to be in place.

“With increasing levels of ASF being detected right on our doorstep and now FMD being found as well we can’t afford not to take this extremely seriously,” Roy said.

“Efforts to protect NZ agriculture have to begin at the border and the whole sector must be given confidence that everything possible is being done to protect the industry that is so vital to our economy.”

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

Urban run-off water floods nearby farms

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@globalhq.co.nz FARMING on the city limits presents a paradox for Papamoa farmer Andrew Dovaston, one that on his bad days sometimes has him thinking about the benefits of cashing up to keen developers.

He is one of about a dozen farmers remaining down Bell Road, the boundary between Western Bay of Plenty District and Tauranga City and over the years he has seen the city’s lights creep ever closer as development pushes southwards from the country’s fastest-growing city.

The second-generation Dovaston family property was

of water after flooding right on the time the crop was supposed to be germinating. In 52 years we are now looking at the worst crop we have ever seen.”

And, ironically, it is the urban creep to the north he attributes that problem to.

With its extensive housing subdivisions on typically wet, peaty soil Papamoa has now become a giant catchment of cement and roof tiles that sluice the Bay of Plenty’s almost tropical rainstorms away to the south down his district’s rural drainage system and ultimately out to sea.

“But the problem is the drainage system here simply cannot cope with the amount of water it is now getting, pushing it over onto our farmland, and this is the result, crops that are significantly poorer than they should be.”

A neighbouring farmer has had to regrass his property twice in one year from floods the concreting over already wet soil has caused.

“We are now only about a dozen farmers against about 30,000 residents and figure we are not

DOUBLE WHAMMY: As well as coping with the tribulations of farming Andrew Dovaston has to cope with floods caused by run-off from nearby Papamoa.

Photo: Jamie Troughton

going to be the ones who get heard on this.”

Philosophical about the impact of urban creep on his operation Dovaston feels the family is luckier than some in the district, particularly those persisting with dairy farming.

“Farmers right against the new houses can’t use lime due to the dust and others will get complaints about effluent spreading.

“We are still pretty rural now but the time is coming.”

He acknowledges the conflict he feels about his family selling up what they founded and the bigger picture issues around how much

“How are plants able to access the soils insoluble mineral reserves”?

When water soluble fertiliser are applied to our farm soils, those water-soluble minerals chemically combine with other minerals present in the soil and quickly become insoluble.

For example, when Super phosphate, (water soluble P), is applied it remains on the soil surface until there has been enough rain to dissolve it allowing the soluble Phosphorous, (P), to enter the soil. Within days, much of the soluble P will have either leached down below pasture root levels, or into the soil’s water table.

A further portion of the soluble P will chemically combine with other minerals such as Iron, Manganese and Aluminium that are present in the soil to create insoluble forms of P. If this didn’t happen it is easy to understand that all of the water-soluble P would have been in danger of leaching and becoming valuable dollars lost into the environment.

The portion of P that does remain water soluble in the soil, is usually measured using the Olsen P test. It’s important to note that Olsen P is just one of a number of laboratory P tests that are available. Biological science has proven

that pasture plants obtain most of their P requirements from the insoluble soil P reserves.

Considering that plants can’t excrete acids or enzymes with enough strength to break the insoluble P mineral bonds, this leads us to the question, “How are plants able to access the soils insoluble mineral reserves”? And, perhaps more importantly, “Can we, as farmers, enhance the process”?

I have yet to meet a farmer that doesn’t agree that the life under their feet is important and they readily accept the fact that the presence of worms in their soils is positive while the lack of them is a concern.

Worms are just the visible ‘tip of the iceberg’ when it comes to the soils microbial life. Consider the fact that on pastoral farms, the weight of the life below soil level will be greater than the weight of the livestock above.

All plants have essential and beneficial symbiotic relationships between their root structures and the microbial life that surrounds them.

While there are thousands of soil microbial species, possibly the most important to farmers are the groups of

land New Zealand can lose before it compromises its ability to feed itself.

“But there is also that challenge there, about where the next generation of farmers is going to come from – people do not seem that interested in farming either.”

Dovaston also appreciates the ironies of now being so close to town but not having the luxury of rubbish collection, road lighting or even high speed broadband.

“I have to admit I can see both sides of this conflict between land use.

“If we were to move I know it’s unlikely this place would be sold for farming.”

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LAND

developed by Dovaston’s parents when they moved from Britain, initially intent on leaving their farming careers there behind and buying a service station.

“But they saw this land down here, rough and full of willows and thought it looked like a good option to develop, sell off and then buy a garage with the funds.”

But 52 years later the family is still there, still growing maize on the peaty 101ha of dead flat country squeezed between the Tauranga eastern link motorway and the old Te Puke highway to the east and west and city’s creep to the north.

But rather than rail against the almost inevitable southern housing drift towards him Dovaston admits there is inevitably the thought greater pressure for housing will ultimately make the family property worth more.

The family was once before offered money to sell up but he admits after this summer the appeal is somewhat greater.

“This year we were trying to grow maize in about nine inches

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

5

Houses, trees swallow up land Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE area of land devoted to agricultural production fell by almost a million hectares or 7% in the decade to 2012 and will fall further as new Government policies encourage forest planting.

According to the Ministry for the Environment report, Our Land – Land Use Statistics 2018, most of that decline was caused by tenure review of South Island pastoral leases, subdivision and lifestyle blocks.

But between 1996 and 2012 the main shift in land cover was from exotic grassland and shrubland to exotic forest followed by a 10% increase in New Zealand’s urban area, which reached 230,000ha.

Driven by the population growing from 3.7 million to 4.4m, urban areas in Auckland grew by 4200ha, Waikato 4000ha and Canterbury 3800ha.

For growth of 100,000 extra people, about 2100ha of residential area is required.

From 2002 to 2016 NZ’s vegetable growing area declined 30% to 70,000ha with the greatest loss in Manawatu, which fell

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12,000ha, a 62% drop, and Canterbury, which fell 30% or 11,000ha.

“Urban expansion is eating into the availability of some of our most versatile, productive land,” the report said.

But it also noted “There is limited national information about how quickly our most versatile land is shifting to urban use. We do know that from 1990 to 2008 29% of new urban areas were on some of our most versatile land.”

In 2013 lifestyle blocks occupied 10% of our most versatile soils, limiting future agricultural use.

Between 1990 and 2008 the greatest areas of conversion of high-class land to urban use were Canterbury 4800ha and Auckland

2600ha where 8% of high-class soil has been lost to houses.

“This loss of high-class land is happening at the same time as our food production system is under pressure to increase production without increasing environmental effects and is facing climate change uncertainties,” the report said.

The limited information on the loss of high-class soils was also noted in a 2015 report, Future Requirements of Soil Management in NZ, by the Primary Industries Ministry.

“NZ has limited national information on how quickly our most versatile land is shifting to urban use.”

On pastoral farming’s other flank Government policies will see millions of hectares of hill country planted in trees under its Billion Trees and carbon-neutral 2050 policies.

The Government is using the $1 billion annual Provincial Growth Fund to encourage the planting of a billion trees in the next decade, equivalent to 10,000ha of forestry, of which half will be new planting.

To achieve the Government’s

SQUEEZED: Rural land is being pressured from urban sprawl on one hand and forestry on the other.

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goal of being carbon neutral by 2050 the Productivity Commission last year estimated between 1.3 and 2.8m hectares of new forestry and 1m hectares of horticulture is needed to offset the country’s greenhouse gas emissions.

While reducing the farmed area of sheep and beef the sector also needs what the report calls a substantial transformation to lower-carbon emissions through land use change and improved farming practices and technology.

But such a shift will come at a cost.

“Increased forestry may also lead to falls in the rural population and loss of associated infrastructure such as schools,” the report warned.

In the South Island high country, 125 of the 303 pastoral leases have completed tenure review, in which lessees negotiate

Urban expansion is eating into the availability of some of our most versatile productive land.

Environment Ministry the surrender of land suited to conservation in return for the right to freehold the balance.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

7

Big response to fire feed call Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz THE response to a call to help fire-ravaged Nelson farmers has been just a little more than overwhelming for the couple of Cantabrians who made it.

Paule Crawford from Geraldine and Baz Hill, an Ashburton baling contractor, learned about feed shortages in Tasman from a friend who was evacuated from the fires.

They wanted to help so put the call out for hay with the idea being to get a truck and trailer load to Nelson.

The Nelson Fires Hay Convoy Facebook page by Friday had 14 trucks and trailers from Mid and South Canterbury delivering much-needed feed to Nelson.

This feed is going to be absolute gold. We are super appreciative.

It’s peace of mind to know we can feed our stock.

Tim King Nelson farmer “We never thought it would come to this – farmers, hay, contractors, trucking companies, drivers, there’s been just so much support. These guys are all just so amazing,” Crawford said.

“We haven’t had to approach anyone for anything. The offers have just kept pouring in.”

Offers of feed donations are now on hold until the need from Nelson farmers is assessed following the convoy’s delivery.

“This kind of grew a whole lot bigger than we ever imagined at the start and now we’re keen to look at how we can cover some running costs,” Hill said.

He estimates the cost at about $2000 a truck, including fuel and road user charges and there’s also accommodation for the drivers.

Donations towards the running

costs of the hay convoy can be made through the group’s Facebook page or into the convoy bank account 12-3151-0245850-00 reference Nel fire.

Any leftover donations will be donated to the Nelson Firefighters’ Fund.

Crawford said many of the drivers and contractors are doing it out of their own pocket.

“It’s a big financial effort so we are very grateful and appreciative of this generosity and if we can help with even a little something towards their costs that would be just fantastic.”

The distribution of the feed in Nelson is being co-ordinated

by Federated Farmers and Farmlands.

Into day 12 of the Tasman fires, Nelson farmers were eagerly awaiting the feed.

Desperate to be allowed access to their properties to assess damage they were finally allowed in on Thursday.

“Up until today we have only been allowed back in for a couple, of hours. That’s barely been long enough to feed stock and check water,” Eves Valley farmer Tim King said.

King was evacuated from his farm on day one of the fire.

With the cordon eased most farmers had access to their properties from 8am-2pm.

“I have had the time today to have a good walk and look around. It’s been feelings of relief and disbelief. We have been just so fortunate.

“I’ve lost a lot of fencing and pasture.

“But the house and all the stock are saved and I have enough room on the unburnt part of the farm to keep them, a least for now until we see what happens in the next week or so.”

King is looking forward to the arrival of the hay convoy.

“This feed is going to be absolute gold. We are super appreciative. It’s peace of mind to know we can feed our stock while we get back on our feet.”

King is hugely grateful to the firefighters and helicopter pilots but says the bulldozer and digger

drivers working under the radar are the unsung heroes.

“I walked around my property and thought ‘holy shit, in the rest of my life I couldn’t rebuild the landscape they have saved along with our family home’. It really struck home.

“It’s just pretty cool to see what these guys have saved.”

Also evacuated on day one Redwood Valley farmer Graeme Sutton said the adrenalin is turning to frustration for many farmers still off their properties.

“Stress is setting in and while the message is getting through to the authorities it’s tough getting through each day and there’s no word of returning at this stage.”

Sutton also welcomed the feed convoy saying it will be a huge saviour for many in the valley.

“I’m using winter supplies to feed my deer and cattle at the moment so I’ll be looking forward to getting some feed into here.

“It’s humbling to see how supportive and generous other farmers and businesses are with feed volumes like this coming in.

“We are just so grateful. We have a long way to go yet.”

TRUCKING: The Nelson Fires Hay Convoy trucking its way through Springs Junction on Friday. A total of 14 truck and trailer loads of hay and silage are being delivered for distribution to fire-ravaged farms in the Tasman District.

Photo: NZ Trucking

If in doubt, leave it out

k On the truc Job done

Check the Fit for Transport app on your phone – it’s free to download – or consult your vet.

Stock on the truck is still your stock.

THANKFUL: Eves Valley farmer Tim King was relieved to find his livestock safe and his home saved though he has lost a lot of fences and pasture.

Transport is stressful for livestock. Make sure they’re fit for the entire journey. Sending unfit livestock could mean a $500 fine.

8

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

NEWS BRIEFS Horotiu correction OPEN Country’s Horotiu processing plant is not looking for more milk suppliers and the company’s two Waikato plants are at capacity, chairman Laurie Margrain said. A story in last week’s Farmers Weekly said Synlait’s new Pokeno plant is competing with Open Country for new suppliers. Horotiu has been full since the beginning of processing last August and is not looking for more suppliers next season, Margrain said. Horotiu and Open Country’s original plant at Waharoa operate overlapping collection areas with reciprocal plant back-up when needed.

The northern boundary of the Horotiu zone is around Franklin district, South Auckland, with nothing collected north of the harbour bridge.

WorkSafe joins YFC WORKSAFE contests are now part of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. The partnership will connect New Zealand’s future farming leaders with health and safety in an engaging setting, build rapport with rural communities and help create generational change, WorkSafe chief executive Nicole Rosie says. WorkSafe will run health and safety challenges at each of the seven regional finals and one at the Grand Final. It will also run challenges in the AgriKidsNZ and Junior Young Farmer of the Year sections.

Dollar to fall EXPECT a more dovish Reserve Bank monetary policy statement next time round, Westpac strategist Imre Speizer says. It will push the kiwi dollar lower after its bounce last week on the February MPS which was more dovish than previous comment but more hawkish than the markets expected. The kiwi rose US1c to US$0.683. Weak fourth quarter (to December) GDP growth figures are out in March and will be included in the RBNZ’s thinking in the May MPS, along with weaker migration figures. Before then the dollar could rise further to 0.69 but he expects it to then fall 0.66. Westpac believes the kiwi could reach A$0.98 then fall to A$0.94.

– Alan Williams.

Hold-ups for exports to China Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com SOME exporters are reporting hold-ups at the Chinese border with the customer of one of those affected suggesting it could be payback for the Government blocking Chinese tech giant Huawei’s involvement in building a new mobile phone network.

Speculation has been rife that tensions are on the rise between the two countries since the Government Communications Security Bureau said in November it will not allow equipment from Huawei to be installed in Spark’s roll-out of its new 5G network unless significant risks to national security are addressed.

National MPs in Parliament on Thursday said they had reports of problems for New Zealand exporters getting products cleared by Chinese authorities in recent weeks but provided no more details.

Two exporters – meat processor Ovation and seafood company Sanford – confirmed to Farmers Weekly on Friday they had experienced holdups at Chinese ports in recent weeks while a third – liquid milk exporter Oravida – is understood to also have also experienced problems.

The managing director of Hastings-based Ovation, Willem Sandberg, said Chinese border authorities had stepped up inspections of containers in recent weeks.

As a result Chinese customs officers had found bone in a container of boneless meat cuts from Ovation.

Sandberg said he had no reason to question the discovery but was surprised at the reaction from Chinese authorities who threatened to suspend the export licence of the processing plant in

NZ the meat came from.

“It is a minor issue that can be escalated into a major issue, I guess, but usually common sense prevails and the products can go through.

“This container did go through but only on the back of a lot of work from a customer.”

Sandberg said the incident might be explained by recent organisational changes in the Chinese regulatory system but the experience left him unsettled.

“We have had feedback from one of our customers who believes it is political but that is somebody’s opinion rather than fact, I guess.

“There has been a change, there is no doubt about that.”

Sanford’s chief customer officer Andre Gargiulo said the fishing company had experienced delays in getting several shipments of salmon cleared by Chinese authorities since the end of January.

“We have not been given a reason for this by local authorities.”

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said he had been approached at Waitangi Day celebrations by former Prime Minister and Oravida chairwoman Jenny Shipley about problems being faced by the liquid milk exporter in the Chinese market.

Oravida was approached for comment but had not responded by deadline.

O’Connor said he has asked officials at the Ministry for Primary Industries about the delays.

“In terms of the total number … it is still relatively small relative to the thousands of consignments that happen on a weekly basis.”

Asked whether they might be payback for NZ’s decision to block Huawei’s involvement in 5G roll-out here as claimed

WORRIED: Former prime minister and Oravida chairwoman Jenny Shipley has approached Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor about problems the liquid milk exporter is facing in China.

by National O’Connor was unconvinced.

“Most of the problems at the border have been cleared.

“They have been temporary and there has been some justification for them.

“That would be drawing a long bow to reach that conclusion.”

Certainly NZ’s largest exporters seem to not have been singled out.

Meat exporter Anzco’s sales and marketing general manager Rick Walker said there had been a slow-up in customs clearances at Chinese ports in recent months.

But he believes it is related to a reorganisation of the country’s quarantine and

We have had feedback from one of our customers who believes it is political.

Willem Sandberg Ovation customs services last year and is not specific to imports from NZ. “Nothing material in terms of expectations but they just seem to be following due process a little more rigorously than they did under the old structures.”

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10 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

More time for on-job training Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz VOCATIONAL training students are likely to spend more time training on the job and less time in the classroom under sweeping changes announced by the Government.

Education Minister Chris Hipkins said employers tell him graduates are often skilled in old technology and another proposal to establish centres of vocational excellence throughout the country is a key to improve and make trainees’ skills current.

“Getting the balance right between on and off the job is crucial,” he said.

The recent collapse of Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre was symptomatic of the problems of falling rolls and financial management, which has not served the primary sector well.

“The primary sector has been poorly served by the vocational training sector in the recent past and that is disappointing because the sector is important to the overall health of NZ.” He wants to see greater numbers of people in primary industry training, which will attract extra resources and investment.

The primary sector has been poorly served by the vocational training sector in the recent past.

Chris Hipkins Education Minister

GET OUT: Education Minister Chris Hipkins wants vocational training students to spend less time in classrooms.

Part of improving services are proposed centres for excellence dotted around the country such as for farming technology, viticulture or agriculture.

A Cabinet paper suggests the centres could be partnerships between regional campuses and industry skills bodies and provide leadership in applied research and lead programme and curriculum development.

Hipkins still sees a role for residential training centres such as

Taratahi and Telford but says in keeping with the shift to greater on-the-job training he envisages less time spent in classrooms.

Primary Industry Training Organisation chief executive Linda Sissons sees plenty that is positive for her organisation in the proposed changes.

Given the Primary ITO’s large footprint the proposed introduction of industry skills bodies should give it more control

of the design and delivery of its programmes.

“There will be an enhanced power and we will be really pleased about that.”

The Primary ITO provides training to about 26,000 people, nearly 19% of all industry trainees, but she is concerned ITOs might not have the flexibility to arrange training times.

Sissons said ITOs and employers work together to coordinate training around work requirements, a factor that is critical for workplaces.

It is unclear in the proposals who will do that co-ordination now.

Sissons also supports shifting the training balance to more on-the-job training, saying while

classrooms have a role, too much time at a desk is not the best way to prepare people for work.

The Government proposals will redefine roles for providers and bring the 16 industry training providers under the control of one centralised entity.

A new funding system will be created that recognises both onthe-job and off-job training and could also include a per learner top-up or base grant to reflect the higher cost of delivery in remote regions.

“At a time when we’re facing critical skill shortages too many of our polytechnics and institutes of technology are going broke,” Hipkins said.

In the last year the Government spent $100 million bailing out three polytechnics and a week before Christmas Taratahi was put in liquidation.

The Cabinet paper warns five industry training providers are now at greater financial risk than last August, two are less at risk and nine had no change in their status.

That threat came from declining rolls and revenue and the Cabinet paper said most are not expecting a major material turnaround this year and many are cutting back on capital expenditure.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

11

Report says response is on track ERADICATION of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis remains technically feasible but testing for it is imperfect and more infected herds are likely to surface, the latest report of the Technical Advisory Group says.

The data presented remains consistent with a single source of introduction in the last four years, it said.

The small number of herds detected following six months of bulk milk testing by PCR and three rounds of testing by ELSDA support the assumption there is no widespread, unlinked disease in the dairy herd population, TAG chairman Scott McDougall said.

“Given the data provided the TAG is more confident now than in mid 2018 that eradication is achievable.”

But there is urgent need to design and implement an effective surveillance strategy for the beef industry and for a risk analysis of transmission between the dairy and beef sectors.

Successful eradication remains critically dependent on a clear definition of the expected outcomes, a functional Nait system, ongoing support from the farming community and other stakeholders, clarity around prevalence and incidence of M bovis in the beef industry and ongoing availability and retention of appropriately skilled people to ensure operational success.

Reassurance that eradication remains feasible despite the imperfect tests and tracing data alongside the complexity of decision-making about the status of individual farms given the limitations of available tests needs better communication in future, McDougall said.

Tag said the epidemiological and phylogenetic data presented support the conclusion the incursion is of relatively recent origin – likely sometime in late 2015 or early 2016 and that there was one source.

Despite extensive testing in the dairy industry there is no evidence of the presence of unrelated M bovis cases though a small number of infected herds are yet to be connected to the network.

Those herds might be linked by unrecorded movements.

More infected dairy herds are very likely to surface after the introduction of service bulls in spring and summer 2018 and the return of 2017-born dairy animals from grazing to dairy herds in spring 2019.

These herds will, hopefully, be found by ongoing tracing and bulk milk surveillance, he said.

The prevalence and incidence in the beef industry remains unknown and there’s urgent need to implement an effective surveillance strategy while beef cattle potentially remain a source of infection.

It’s assumed most infected dairy herds will have been detected

by June 2020 and more than five

NO SURPRISES: The latest Mycoplasma bovis Technical Advisory Group report gives an independent view the eradication programme is on track, Primary Industries Ministry response director Geoff Gwyn says.

years of ongoing surveillance testing will be required to demonstrate freedom from disease.

TAG said tests to detect infection with M bovis are imperfect.

It needs to be communicated that eradication remains feasible despite imperfect tracing and tests.

Mycoplasma bovis Technical Advisory Group Serological tests based on the presence of antibodies will provide greater sensitivity than tests to detect the presence of the bacteria (PCR.

Some herds will probably need to be declared as restricted places and depopulated based on serological results alone because of the low sensitivity of thre PCR test.

TAG said that needs to be clearly communicated.

Clear and timely communication with herd owners and other stakeholders is of critical importance to the eradication campaign, TAG said.

“It needs to be communicated that eradication remains feasible despite imperfect tracing and tests.”

M bovis programme director Geoff Gwyn said there’s no surprises in the report that gives an independent validation the programme is on track.

“It clearly states that the data presented shows we are looking at a relatively recent incursion that is not widespread in our dairy herd.

“The report helps guide our direction, highlighting what is

working well as well as some potential risks to the eradication programme,” Gwyn said.

“It is important the public understands that while some systems and processes are imperfect, eradication is still possible.

“These are all valid points and we are continuously improving our approach where necessary and based on the evidence available.

“We have already begun making improvements in many of the areas the TAG highlighted.

“Work is under way to develop a new surveillance approach for the beef industry and we are increasing our focus on improving communications to affected farmers, the public and staff working on the M bovis programme.”

Gwyn said some of the recommendations made are relatively simple to implement or are already in train but others will need careful consideration decisions are made.

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News

12 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

GONE: Lands Minister Eugenie Sage has confirmed the end of highcountry tenure review and is yet to announce reforms to remaining pastoral leases.

End of tenure review comes as no surprise Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz THE end to the tenure review process of South Island pastoral leases does not surprise farming leader Simon Williamson.

The Mackenzie Basin farmer and head of Federated Farmers South Island High Country committee says it’s end has been signalled for some time and most lessees wanting to go through the process will have done it by now.

Lands Minister Eugenie Sage announced the end of the process introduced in 1998, where pastoral lessees can negotiate to freehold areas of their lease in return for surrendering land of conservation value.

Sage, a former Royal Forest and Bird Society field officer and long-time critic of tenure review, said it resulted in farming intensification and loss of landscape values and biodiversity.

It has meant 345,940ha has been freeholded and 302,554ha retired to the Crown.

The process has similarly been criticised by environmentalists but Williamson said there were benefits in that it enabled the creation of 10 conservation parks, it allowed properties to become economic and more productive and that benefited local communities.

The impact of tenure review differed between regions and criticism that it resulted in intensive, irrigated farming was too generalised, he said.

The development of dairying in the Mackenzie Basin has become a flash point but through tenure review the Conservation Department now manages 60% of the basin.

Tenure review is effectively the negotiated surrender by lessees of their rights to use an area of leased land.

Of the 303 lessees in 1998, 125 have completed tenure review and a 40 will continue the process.

The balance will remain lessees.

It has meant 345,940ha has been freeholded and 302,554ha retired to the Crown.

Williamson says whether a lessee entered tenure review depended on the balance of the property and what they had to trade.

Responsibility for weed and pest control on that land has shifted from the lessees to DOC and Williamson said that has proved challenging in some areas for the department.

A Land Information review of Crown Pastoral Regulatory by Crown Property deputy chief executive Jerome Sheppard recommends strengthening the monitoring, compliance and enforcement of Crown pastoral land.

It found tenure review was designed to allow the Crown to exit being a long-term landowner but it is no longer clear exactly what the Crown’s goals are.

Sage is yet to announce further reforms to pastoral leases.

A pastoral lease gave lessees a 33-year perpetually renewable lease with the right to exclusive occupation, right to reside, right to graze the land for pastoral farming and, with consent, to disturb the soil or to change land use.

News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

13

Fonterra wants many DIRA changes Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

FONTERRA wants to ditch the requirement for it to take all milk if its market share drops below 75% in a region.

It also wants to exclude big processors except Goodman Fielder from accessing its milk at the regulated raw milk price.

Instead it wants to introduce a 12c/litre handling fee, it says in its submission to the Primary Industries Ministry’s review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act. All other processors should be required to publish their average milk price paid to farmers and details of how they set it, Fonterra said.

DIRA should evolve to cover the whole dairy industry and not just control Fonterra.

“A modernised DIRA will contribute to delivering our shared vision for the future of the industry,” chief executive Miles Hurrell said.

“Some safeguards are still critical today and they should be expanded to be a requirement of every dairy processor.”

Submissions closed on February 8 and Fonterra is the first to publicly release its 66page submission, with some commercially sensitive facts and figures blacked out.

Both open entry and exit have been superseded by Fonterra’s policies and market conditions, Hurrell said.

ALL THE SAME: Fonterra want the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act to cover the whole industry and not just control Fonterra, chief executive Miles Hurrell says.

“In an environment of low to flat milk growth and significant invested capital we would have limited interest in turning away milk.”

And there were also the usual safeguards under the Commerce Act. Repeal of open entry would enable the company to refuse applications where there is a reputational issue, for example environmental or animal welfare.

Fonterra would continue to collect from existing suppliers and wouldn’t expect to prevent

suppliers from increasing production, it said.

Its first preference is that open entry and exit be repealed in full, an option the Ministry for Primary Industries included in the DIRA review discussion paper released in November.

But MPI also said, in its view, the absence of the DIRA could leave significant barriers to entry and expansion by independent processors.

Fonterra’s second preference is to repeal open entry and exit in any region where its milk market share drops below 75%.

In effect, that would mean Waikato and Canterbury at present, though the figures of Fonterra’s market share by region were blacked out.

That is a new stance by the cooperative and is being put forward as a compromise proposal along with another review of the DIRA in three years.

Fonterra said repeal of open exit does not mean farmers will be locked in to supply the cooperative because normal anticompetitive rules will apply.

On the positive side, repeal will let it to pursue a strategy towards more value-add and less commodity processing.

Instead of being required to build capacity for all possible milk supply it could spend more on research and development.

Its third preference is that new conversions be exceptions from the open entry rule or, in other words, that Fonterra be able to

refuse to collect a new conversion, perhaps in geographically remote regions.

Farmers wanting to rejoin Fonterra are unlikely to be refused because independent processors have invested in prime dairying areas, therefore close to Fonterra’s existing plants.

It claims to have learned from the NZ Dairies experience, at Studholme, South Canterbury, where it was found by the High Court to have discriminated against returning suppliers.

Fonterra argued its milk price manual has delivered confidence in the base milk price calculation and that transparency should be spread throughout the industry.

But options to increase regulation or have the Commerce Commission set the price would be counterproductive.

Meantime, Open Country Dairy has brought judicial review proceedings against certain conclusions in the commission’s 2017-18 base milk calculation review.

The case concerns the ongoing dispute over Fonterra’s low asset beta for risk assessment that in turn delivers a higher milk price for farmers and flows on to competitors like Open Country.

“We are actively working to resolve the commission’s issues with the asset beta used

hugh.stringleman@globalhq.co.nz

THE Ministry of Primary Industries will not release submissions to its review of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act before the Government decides what its response will be.

That is not expected before the middle of the year.

The 188 submissions received bu February 8 will not be posted on the relevant

section of the MPI website, an MPI spokesperson said.

Individual submitters can release their own should they wish to do so, as Fonterra has done.

MPI will now make policy recommendations for regulatory change to be considered by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor and Cabinet.

MPI said it is common practice not to release submissions until the

Government has made key policy decisions to protect the integrity of the process.

It has already posted supporting information to its discussion document, published on November 2.

That included two reports on dairy industry performance by Frontier Economics, 15 Fonterra responses to MPI information requests and preliminary opinions by seven other dairy companies.

“Should decisions be made to amend the DIRA, these will be subject to the full Parliamentary process,” MPI said.

“Therefore, all submitters will have an opportunity to review Government decisions, read all submissions received to date and make further submissions to a select committee later in the year – so there will be further opportunities to contribute to the process.”

Lower milk price has limited impact on Skellerup SKELLERUP had slightly lower agriculture division sales in its latest half-year but managed a slight lift in earnings.

Increased sales of specialist footwear into international markets offset the impact of lower dairy prices, which reduced farmer spending on consumables and animal hygiene products, chairwoman Liz Coutts and chief executive David Mair said.

Dairy rubberware, milk filters and animal hygiene

products play a crucial role in maintaining milk quality and animal health and that limited the impact on the division of lower milk prices.

Ag division sales slipped to $42.29 million in the six months to December 31 from $43.07m at the same time a year earlier. Earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) were $9.62m, up from $9.53m.

Mair said the division made operational gains in its New Zealand and Chinese manufacturing facilities.

Agri is the smaller of the two Skellerup divisions but has markedly better margins

than the bigger industrial division.

The group reported an after-tax profit of $13.4m for the six months, a 15% lift.

The industrial division lifted revenue to $77.97m from $73.72m and Ebit to $11.67m from $10.04m.

Group operating cashflow for the half-year was $13m, down from $14.76m previously.

Skellerup has a strong balance sheet with shareholders’ funds making up nearly 70% of total assets.

That backs up a solid lift in the interim dividend to 5.5c a share from 4c a year earlier.

in our milk price calculation,” Fonterra said.

Earlier Open Country told MPI the DIRA is not working as it should and greater integrity, transparency and objectivity are required in milk-price setting.

It wants an independent dairy authority for more supervision and no change to open entry and exit.

Fonterra’s reasons for a 12c/ litre margin for raw milk sales to Goodman Fielder and boutique processors are the additional costs of flat supply and running a milk sourcing operation.

Its said maintaining a supplier base has extra costs in the business relationship with farmers are not yet reflected in the base milk price.

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The directors expect full-year after-tax earnings in the $29m to $31m range, compared with the $27.3m figure last year.

02165 MSD ANDRO 03

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Miles Hurrell Fonterra CEO

You can’t lift the price.

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MPI holds on to review submissions Hugh Stringleman

Some safeguards are still critical today.

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

15

Feds vow to back a new wool levy Annette Scott annette.scott@globalhq.co.nz A COMPULSORY wool levy is likely to be the only saviour for an industry on its death bed, Federated Farmers meat and wool chairman Miles Anderson says.

The federation’s meat and wool council has voted to support a compulsory wool levy but only if the cross-industry Wool Working Group (WWG) comes up with a clear, practicable and compelling blueprint for lifting wool’s profile and returns.

It says it has already secured Government support.

Anderson said the WWG recognises the need to support manufacturers who are coming up with new and innovative uses for wool to get those products to market here and overseas and ultimately to lift returns to farmers out of the doldrums.

“Without that plan we’ve got an industry facing death by a thousand cuts.

“My fear is that the next time there is a downturn in sheep meat prices we’ll lose a critical amount of breeding stock from the sector and ultimately we could see a hollowing out of rural economies with mass tree planting on productive farmland.”

how manufacturers should contribute funding to the cause but our signal to the WWG is that if they come up with a workable plan and structure to drive improvements Federated Farmers will join the push for a referendum to secure a levy to drive progress.”

The council also voted in favour of more money for the Wool Research Organisation of NZ (WRONZ)) to do more research and development strong wool.

SIGNAL: Federated Farmers supports a compulsory wool levy to show farming leaders are committed to the cause, meat and wool section chairman Miles Anderson says.

Federated Farmers will join the push to secure a wool levy to drive progress.

Miles Anderson Federated Farmers Delegates from the 24 Federated Farmers’ provinces meeting in Wellington agreed that unless a collaborative plan for wool research, development and marketing is formulated and widely backed the death-knell for the crossbred wool industry will be sounded.

The WWG, initiated by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, and made up of farmers, buyers and major wool product maker representatives, has since its establishment in July last year been laying the groundwork for a strategy aimed at better promotion to consumers of wool’s superior qualities over synthetics.

The WWG has assurances of Government support for an initial period to set up a governance and staff structure to bed in an industry-agreed plan.

Anderson said his council’s vote to advocate for a compulsory wool levy pending a proven plan and structure is to show that farming leaders are committed to the cause.

“In the last decade two earlier farmer votes on a wool levy were not successful for different reasons.

“Our reading of farmer sentiment is that there is widespread recognition that there is now urgency for the entire sector, farmer through to manufacturer, to get on the same page and win the market share this great fibre deserves.

“There is a lot more detail to sort out, including

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FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

17

AgResearch, Lincoln hook-up is rejected Neal Wallace neal.wallace@globalhq.co.nz A JOINT AgResearch and Lincoln University laboratory to be built on the university campus has been scuppered after the Government rejected the business case.

The $206 million, 27,000 square metres complex was to be built on the site of the demolished Hilgendorf building to house 700 Lincoln and AgResearch staff in an arrangement hailed as a change in the delivery of tertiary education and central to Lincoln’s future.

The two entities are now pursuing their own structures but Lincoln’s acting vice-chancellor Phil O’Callaghan hopes they will still co-operate in some form of partnership.

An option being considered is for Lincoln and AgResearch to share the site with their own structures to enable students to work alongside or observe AgResearch scientists.

The initial plan was for AgResearch to invest $80m and Lincoln $126m in the complex, viewed as a blueprint for collaborative tertiary study and to broaden education.

However, the Government, acting on Treasury advice, rejected its business case, in part because of an unspecified increase in the project’s cost, which would put pressure on Lincoln’s balance sheet, he said.

Two favourable years have allowed Lincoln to strengthen its balance sheet and O’Callaghan said it can afford a building project.

AgResearch chief executive Tom Richardson said the Crown research institute is now initiating a feasibility study into building a facility at Lincoln.

“We are evaluating all options and remain committed to the principles of a campus development strategy that enables a more seamless collaboration between students, academics, researchers and business.”

AgResearch plans to build new facilities and offices for its staff, which it can share with other researchers and partners.

“We will continue to talk to interested stakeholders about their future involvement. Our strategic plans and staff relocation intentions remain unchanged.”

NO GO: The Government has rejected plans for AgResearch and Lincoln University to build a joint facility on the university campus.

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ANIMAL rights activists are taking their case to court to ensure the Government takes action to remove farrowing crates from the pig industry.

Save Animals from Exploitation and the Animal Law Association have filed a lawsuit in the High Court at Wellington against the Government for its failure to act on the ongoing use of farrowing crates.

The lawsuit claims the crates breach the Animal Welfare Act and the process putting the farrowing crate regulation in place was unlawful.

Safe spokesman Hans Kriek said farmers have been allowed to continue using farrowing crates despite the fact they breach the Act. “Even the Government’s own animal welfare adviser, the National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, has said crates do not provide for the behavioural needs of mother pigs.”

Safe and the association want to compel the committee and the Government to act lawfully, improve their legal procedures and adopt a more robust legal understanding of their duties, Kriek said.

“Profit is being put before the welfare of mother pigs where they are prevented from expressing much of their natural behaviour.

“These crates are so small the pigs can’t even turn around. This is not only cruel but contrary to the intentions and obligations of the Animal Welfare Act.” Association vice-president Cassandra Kenworthy said the committee has said on multiple occasions the use of farrowing crates does not meet the obligations of the Animal Welfare Act. “Despite this, successive governments have failed to take action and it has now come to the stage where we must file proceedings for their failure to uphold the law.

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News

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

19

Seeds merger won’t stymie rivalry Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz COMMERCE Commission clearance for the takeover of PGG Wrightson Seeds supports what it said from the start, DLF Seeds New Zealand general manager Tom Bruynel says.

After initially questioning a potentially anti-competitive role a merged PGW Seeds and DLF Seeds business would have in the development of endophytes in the ryegrass market the commission has now concluded, following further submissions from DLF, the deal will not substantially lessen competition in any of the markets it assessed.

Bruynel welcomed the ruling, saying the commission had been very thorough in a complex situation.

“They’ve gone to a lot of trouble and have done a very good job in a good time frame.”

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has also said it will not oppose the deal, leaving Overseas Investment Office approval as the last major obstacle.

“We think we’ve had a very persuasive argument for them about what we bring to research and development and to market

QUICK: The sooner the Overseas Investment Office makes its decision on the sale of PGW Seeds to DLF Seeds the better, DLF New Zealand general manager Tom Bruynel says.

access, making it a much stronger business. Time will tell on that and I can’t say much more till the deal is done,” he said.

DLF has not had any signal from OIO about when a decision will be made but hopes it might be by the end of this month or next month.

“The sooner the better but we just have to bide our time.”

The ryegrass market was the major concern for the Commerce Commission, especially the development of endophytes, the fungus that grows with the grass to make it more pest-resilient.

Deputy chairwoman Sue Begg said “DLF is not at present a close competitor of PGW Seeds in respect of ryegrass seeds containing endophytes and is unlikely to be so in the future.

“Further, the merged entity would continue to be constrained

by Barenbrug Agriseeds and a number of small companies.”

Bruynel said the endophyte issue was just one of a lot of parts in the PGW Seeds business.

“They are important for NZ and a bit in Australia but we see a lot of other value that we can take to other markets.”

DLF Seeds is a Danish cooperative and will provide access for PGW Seeds products into northern hemisphere markets.

An example is the forage crop plantain, which DLF does not have. DLF will also bring resources to PGW Seeds to benefit NZ arable farmers, he said.

PGW deputy chairman Trevor Burt said Commerce Commission clearance is another positive strep

as the transaction moves closer to settlement.

He expects remaining conditions will be confirmed in due course with further announcements likely in the near future. As well as the OIO, change of control consents are required from some PGW Seeds joint-venture partners and from regulators in Uruguay, where PGW Seeds is active.

The final commission clearance differs quite markedly from its initial letter of issues report in early December.

It claimed the merger would bring together two of the three main endophyte research and development programmes in NZ that had produced endophytes able to be inoculated into commercial ryegrass varieties and that might affect current and future competition in the production of ryegrass seed.

The commission noted PGW Seeds and Barenbrug dominate the NZ market but an analysis of the market might understate DLF Seeds importance and its place as a competitor to PGW Seeds might not be replicated by other, smaller competitors.

Asked to respond to that initial report, DLF Seeds submitted the commission was wrong to say the

merger would bring together two of the three biggest endophyte programmes.

It is not one of the big three and there are at least four market participants with commercial scale programmes.

A DLF/PGW Seeds merger would still leave at least three programmes in place.

DLF Seeds also said the commission was being inconsistent with its findings when the two pre-PGW Seeds entities, Wrightson and Pyne Gould Guinness, merged in 2005.

Bruynel said some of the factors that had been raised with the commission by different parties had nothing to do with DLF Seeds and other aspects were old history.

“It took a while to work through that to get them to understand there were other good competitors that they were not aware of initially. It kept us busy for a couple of months.”

PGW Seeds’ parent company PGW will get about $431 million from selling the business. It has indicated the potential for a capital return of up to $292m to shareholders if the deal proceeds.

Wrightson shares jumped 7c to 55c on the NZX after the commission clearance was reported.

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News

20 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

Halter targets an April launch date TRY THIS ON: Halter chief executive Craig Piggott fits a cow with a GPS collar.

KIWI agritech start-up Halter expects to commercially launch its unique GPS-enabled cow collars in April.

“We have just finished setting up our production line in China and we have had our first collars off the line come back,” chief executive and founder Craig Piggott told the Young Farmers conference.

“We are targeting April as our commercial launch. It’s all happening very quickly.”

Auckland-based Halter has developed the collar,

which allows cows to be guided around a farm using a smartphone app.

The company has been testing the technology on a Waikato farm for 18 months.

“The system uses audio and vibration to train a cow. The smartest cows take only two hours to train,” Piggott said.

“The farmer then has the ability to use the remote technology to shift the cows around the farm.”

The solar-powered collars could revolutionise the dairy sector, reducing labour and infrastructure costs.

“The collars can be programmed to bring the cows to the milking shed at certain times and identify cows on heat,” he said.

“The collar has huge animal welfare benefits, especially on larger farms.

The smartest cows take only two hours to train “If a cow stops eating because she’s sick or lame she can be identified sooner.”

Virtual fences save time by eliminating the need for farmers to erect temporary electric fences.

“We have built the system to work around existing permanent fences.

“In the long-term, a farmer could pull out all their fences and run a completely fenceless farm,” he said.

“There are significant gains to be made with improved pasture utilisation.”

The collars have no upfront cost but farmers will pay a monthly fee to use the software.

Halter’s team has doubled in size in the past six months and the award-winning start-up is advertising more than a dozen positions on its website.

Meat and finance boost ALF Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

Breed sections within the competition include Perendale, Coopworth, Romney, Crossbred, Composite (three crosses or more) and Fine Wool (incorporating Merino, Corriedale and Halfbred).

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• National Winner to host a Field Day on their property • Points awarded: Flock Performance - 50, Phenotype - 30, Breeding Objectives - 15, Wool - 15 • Hogget mating not necessary

ALLIED Farmers has confirmed its strong start to the financial year, saying earnings for the six months to December 31 will be significantly ahead of the same time a year earlier.

Improved performance in the meat processing and export business and livestock financing operations have more than offset a slower start to the year for livestock trading, chairman Mark Benseman said.

Confirming comments made by the company at the annual meeting in late November, he said directors are pleased with first-half trading and encouraged by recent trends in activity.

Estimates are that a satisfactory profit is likely for the year ending June 30 though second-half trading will be strongly influenced by livestock trading and dairy herd sale activity, much of which will be in late May and early June so it is difficult to forecast accurately this early.

The half-year result will be released by March 1.

ALF made an after-tax profit of $248,000 in the first-half of the 2017 year on group revenues of $10.69m. The rural business had pretax earnings of $650,000. Those figures compare with $480,000 and $850,000 respectively in the 2016 year.

ALF shares were trading at 7.2c on the NZX on Monday.

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22 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

Success not due just to shear luck Record-breaking shearer Aaron Haynes has sheared his way to land ownership. Luke Chivers reports on his successes.

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PERSISTENCE: Aaron Haynes has worked hard for his achievements that include his own land and a debtfree qualification as well as being a successful commercial and competitive shearer.

T WAS a rare moment at the Central Hawke’s Bay A and P Show in November when the open shearing final was won by a competitor who had never previously a top grade title.

That competitor was Aaron Haynes. And if his name sounds familiar there is good reason why.

The 31-year-old from Palmerston North match-raced 2010 world champion Cam Ferguson, of Waipawa, and effectively pressured the local hope out of contention in the 20-sheep final.

Despite being a regular finalist, twice Golden Shears open runnerup and being a New Zealand team member Haynes had not claimed a winning ribbon since the Pahiatua Shears senior final in 2010, in a season he ended ranked No 1 in the grade nationwide.

“It was a seriously intense competition in the Bay,” he said.

“It’s hard to describe the feeling of coming out in first place. I’ve always had a big passion for shearing. So, to win a competition like this was quite special.”

Haynes enjoys the physical challenge of it.

“You finish a day’s work shearing and you certainly feel as though you’ve earned your tucker.”

Shearing was a passion that dominated Haynes’ teenage years.

He grew up on a 303ha hill country property at Utawai, north of Apiti in Manawatu.

“It was the best childhood I could’ve ever asked for.

“Sure, we didn’t have technology like we do now but I felt I had more opportunity than I needed.”

Surrounded by sheep and beef farms, shearing taught Haynes a good work ethic as well as providing income.

“A career in sheering was always on the cards, I guess, because I love it.

“But I wanted to back it up with a qualification,” he said.

In 2006 Haynes moved to South Canterbury to study for an agriculture and farm management diploma at Lincoln University, which reinforced his desire to continue working in the primary sector.

“My involvement in the industry never stopped.

I sheared right through my time at university and, as a result, I was lucky enough to finish my studies debt-free.”

Not long after he graduated Haynes packed his bags and set off on a world trip for five years, using shearing as a way to fund his travels.

“I chased the shearing seasons year-round,” he said.

A career in sheering was always on the cards, I guess, because I love it.

Aaron Haynes Shearer “I’d shear in NZ for the summer months then head to Wales or Scotland in mid May. “That’d take me through until about mid August and then I’d head to Australia.

“It was a hell of a time – a great experience, that’s for sure.”

But returning home permanently was always on the cards and so too was settling his own farm.

In 2017 he couldn’t believe his luck when he saw a particular piece of land advertised.

“It was a local property for a reasonable price.

“I see this place as a great stepping stone for something bigger later in my farming career.”

His 30ha property at Kairanga, near Palmerston North, is home to 130 Romney finishing lambs.

The sheep are bought, taken to Haynes’ block to be drafted, shorn and finished.

“I finish about 1000 lambs a year on it. It’s mostly winter trading,” he said.

“It’s a highly fertile block and really productive for what it is.”

Haynes is a still a shearer for medium-sized business Scott Bailey.

And in his, albeit limited, spare time he shears his own sheep.

“I run my own property after hours.

“There’s quite a few nights where I come home and there’s a fair few sheep to shear.”

Since buying his property Haynes has replaced most of his fences, installed a new water system and built new sheep and cattle yards, making it easier for use.

“It’s set up basically so it’s cheap enough to work.

My mother can run the animals on the farm with ease,” he said.

“We’ve also regrassed the whole farm and drained it.

“There was no drainage before I owned the property.

“But last winter we noticed our new drainage system made a huge difference with our grass growing faster.”

In mid January Haynes sheared 610 ewes in nine hours on Flock Hill farm north of Kimbolton.

It is no mean feat. And it was a personal best.

In fact, Haynes believes no one in Manawatu has broken his record.

“It was just about attaining a personal best.

“The farm’s manager Steve Rush was willing for me shear their ewes.

“He farms about 5500 ewes so I was fortunate to be able to choose which ones I wanted.”

Haynes spread word of his record-attempt and about 50 local farmers turned up for the occasion.

“I didn’t see exactly how many attended as I was pretty busy at the time,” he said, laughing.

Looking ahead, Haynes wants to get a hill country property to establish a breeding unit.

“But until then I’ll keep competing.”

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

23

Drones overcome early limits Five years after drones suddenly came over the farm horizon they have begun to move from the nice novelty option to being another tool that brings the usual uses and limitations of any device. Richard Rennie spoke to Jonathan Kubiak of drone specialist DJI Ferntech about the latest advances and what is still holding them back.

HANDLER: Bay of Plenty farmer David Rowlands operating a drone.

T

HE ability of New Zealand farmers to take technology and adapt it to their needs has become evident in the way they have picked up on drones and technology is now starting to catch up with how they are used.

“For many farmers who use drones the main role is for surveying their property, for checking over stock, troughs or fencelines to save time and that has been a use from early on. But what we are now finding is that the camera technology has caught up with this use,” DJI Ferntech spokesman Jonathan Kubiak said.

“Rather than simply using digital zoom cameras latest drone technology has true optical zoom cameras producing far better clarity and resolution with images.

Match that with significantly improved stability and you have a drone platform that meets that need to be able to see more of the farm from a distance.”

The latest model has a 12 megapixel camera capable of capturing 4k video, something barely dreamed of only three years ago.

Features include a loudspeaker, making it suitable for mustering and herding stock.

Bay of Plenty farmer David Rowlands uses the machine for

stock surveillance at lambing and calving, covering the farm from the homestead quicker than travelling to mobs himself.

Martinborough farmer Ben Lutyens of Riversdale Station is also one of the first to use the Mavic drone. He bought it for its bark to move stock on the 4000ha property.

He has a selection of noises to help overcome stock becoming familiar with any one in particular.

His arsenal of barks kicks off with Scottish-born singer songwriter Paolo Nutini’s music.

Other alert options include a Huntaway’s bark and the very analogue sound of stones being rattled in an old drench container.

“With mustering it is all about the position of the drone and where the sound gets projected from, which influences which way the stock will move.”

Having owned the drone for only a few weeks he believes he will find other applications and is confident other devices will be added to the platform.

“I am also interested in having a thermal camera to detect stock in bush areas.”

Kubiak said with many farmers wanting a drone to inspect remote areas the camera advances have been welcome but so too has the extension of drone range.

“Two to three years ago we had advanced ranges of about 1km, at best.

“But with far more solid radio signals now used they can go 5km to 8km, albeit they are still governed by rules requiring line of sight. In addition, over that distance they can also deliver HD quality images.”

Real time delivery of images rather than waiting for recorded information to be downloaded is helping step the equipment into more management roles, helping optimise crop performance in particular.

Kubiak expects rapid growth in crop-monitoring technology now the optics have improved, with crop health imaging likely to form a new income stream

for agronomy and fertiliser companies, given the cost barrier might discourage farmers investing in the kit themselves.

Even with only eight farms on board providing such a service could become economic.

The addition of infra-red and thermal cameras and the ability to distinguish weeds from crops take the technology from a fly-by troubleshooter to an advanced management tool feeding information into crop analysis programmes.

They can help predict yields, water shortages and weed and disease risks before they become endemic.

Kubiak said sales to farmers tend to be from across the entire agricultural spectrum and include several agricultural contractors offering drone analysis as a service.

He has not yet seen an aerial spreading service using drones but has seen former aerial operators move to drone operation.

With mustering it is all about the position of the drone and where the sound gets projected from, which influences which way the stock will move.

Ben Lutyens Riversdale Station However, the limiting factor to drone size and weight remains governed by batteries.

While the on-board technology has advanced with dizzying speed, battery technology has remained static.

“We are really waiting for replacement battery technology and for that reason flight time remains only around half an hour.

“Overall though, I believe drones have probably plateaued in size.”

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Opinion

24 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

EDITORIAL We can’t eat the concrete

W

HEN there is year-round milk for your coffee and supermarkets stocked with salad, fresh vegetables, fruit and meat it is understandable our urban cousins are complacent about the soil and toil required to produce it. Because we seldom suffer from a shortage of staple food some have become blase in allowing areas of our most valuable and productive soil to be buried beneath concrete and tarseal and potentially millions of hectares of trees planted on our hill country.

This week Farmers Weekly begins an investigation on that productive land squeeze to determine the likely impact and solutions. We talk this week to Papamoa farmer Andrew Dovaston, a second-generation Bay of Plenty farmer, who is watching Tauranga city encroach ever nearer to his Bell Road property.

Like many farmers, Dovaston is caught between an intergenerational connection to his farm and the insatiable appetite for land for housing. Others we have spoken to talk about the pressures of living in the shadow of the tourist and lifestyle mecca that is Queenstown and the everexpanding Auckland city onto our best horticulture land.

Distance from a main centre does not preclude the demand for land, with two Government policies – the one billion tree planting programme and carbon neutral 2050 - potentially meaning the replacement of livestock on up to three million hectares of hill country. To be charitable, debate on this broader issue has been loose, built around claims that production can move elsewhere or that sales of timber will replace meat and wool, ignoring some fundamental points.

It is often lost on city and government planners that no two soils are the same and because you concrete over one to the north you cannot simply up stakes and move crops to the south or vice versa.

Unless we protect this valuable resource that not only feeds us but allows us to pay our way in the world we will need to develop an appetite for imported fruit and vegetables, having buried our own ability to grow them under concrete.

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

A successful way of life IT’S been six months since I arrived in your beautiful country to work as a dairy farm assistant to earn for my family back home in the Philippines.

New Zealand for me is a haven of dreams where you actually work for it to attain it.

And the dairy sector is the factory that produces that dream’s after-product.

I might not be new to dairy farming since I worked in Saudi Arabia before but one thing is for sure, this is a whole new level.

I have learned a lot every day.

Some might call it a struggle, a stride but for me it’s an adventure.

Here dairy farming is not

just an occupation but rather it is a way of life.

No wonder your country’s success is way above high. The reason: The heart and the milk are one.

Roderick Adarne Tuatapere

Wrong target?

ARE the fantastic yields of wheat and barley (FW, February 11, p16) what farmers should be aiming at?

Didn’t dairy farmers just go through such a phase with greater yields from greater inputs but no improvement in their bottom line.

The inputs to achieve the grain yields reported in the article included the usual chemical fertilisers, fungicides, plant growth regulators and foliar insecticides.

David R Montgomery in his book, Growing a Revolution – Restoring our Soils, reports on methods he has seen farmers adopting all the way from small holdings to huge farms, from all the continents of the world and under different regimes.

These methods greatly reduce inputs while losing a little yield at first. What is amazing is they all converge on very similar methods.

After a few years yields generally equal or exceed previous yields but with lower inputs so the bottom line of the farmer improved.

Better still, wind and rain erosion virtually ceased, water retention in the soil improved, soils sequestered significant stores of carbon and pollution of streams ceased.

Montgomerey also wrote a prequel, Dirt, in which he describes what happened to civilisations that treated their soil like dirt and a sequel, The Hidden Half of Nature, in which he describes the inner working of rich soil.

William Hughes-Games Waipara Canterbury

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Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

25

Farmers’ action can defy critics Roger Dalrymple

T

HE world has changed and it’s time our industry took control of its future.

The only reason our industry is being targeted by environmentalists and, consequently, the Government, which needs votes to stay in power, is because we lack unity and leadership.

We are going to stay in the limelight and continue being criticised until we get our industry ahead of the game.

We all know that there are lots of groups and individuals who will keep targeting our industry, which is clearly visible for all to see.

The Government has no choice but to continue imposing rules and regulations to satisfy the social pressure we see on the internet and social media, fuelled by the global warming debate.

The choice is ours – we can either sit back do nothing and wait until our industry is regulated to such an extent we cannot do anything without a consent or we can start doing something about it now.

Before I go any further I should explain I am a farmer who lives on the coast in Rangitikei.

Our farm has changed significantly over the years from a traditional breeding farm in the 1970s to a bull beef finishing farm and is now an intensive, irrigated, finishing and cropping farm with a range from fresh vegetables to forestry.

We have adopted technology, direct drilling, pivot irrigators, electric fences and much more but, most importantly, we have learnt to farm with our soils and our environment.

I’m also a member of the Beef + Lamb New Zealand environmental reference group that meets on behalf of farmers as we negotiate a path forward in these challenging times.

Our farms are all different and no one knows a farm better than its owner. We know our soils, topography and climate. We know which soils are fertile and which

The

Pulpit

aren’t. We know intricate detail about each paddock and how it performs.

So, what do we all have to do?

It’s very simple from my point of view but some of the issues we all face will be extremely challenging for some farmers because of soil type, topography, climate and farming system.

Some have been doing the same thing for many years so the thought of change is not easy but change we must.

The days when it was acceptable for animals to stand in mud and water, being break-fed during winter without a place to sit or lie down are over.

This is not only coming from an environmental point of view but also an animal welfare point of view.

I have seen many photos sent in by people who are our customers complaining about this practice.

We, as individual farmers, need to think very carefully before we plant a winter feed crop that is detrimental to our environment or challenges our animal welfare codes.

The soil type, proximity to water bodies and the grazing management need careful consideration of whether they will be suitable during a wet winter. This is no longer an excuse for lack of planning and poor management.

DO IT YOURSELF: It’s up to farmers to make changes to take the wind out of their critics’ sails, Rangitikei farmer Roger Dalrymple says.

Some have been doing the same thing for many years so the thought of change is not easy but change we must.

Critical source areas are parts of a paddock where water carrying sediment, nutrients and pathogens polluting our waterways flows.

We farmers need to learn to identify these areas and adopt best grazing management practices when grazing our winter crops.

If every farmer in NZ did it we would reduce sediment and phosphorus going into our waterways by up to 90%. That research was done by AgResearch at Telford in 2017.

Soil loss is the next issue.

We need to adopt technology or

develop prevention strategies that keep our soils on our farms.

We cannot continue to expose our soils, usually because of mechanical cultivation, making them vulnerable to erosion from rain and wind.

There are proven, modern techniques such as minimum tillage, direct drilling and helicropping that can all help reduce soil loss on our most vulnerable soils and landscapes.

Fencing off waterways and planting trees will also help but the examples I have used are all low-cost, easily adopted by all farmers and highly beneficial towards protecting our waterways and reducing our soil loss.

We all have farm plans, some on paper and some in our heads, but now we all need to start getting smarter.

The time is here where we all must have a land/farm environmental plan, identifying our environmental resources and

any environmental risks. This plan must also be active and visible for everyone on the farm to see and follow.

Our industry bodies and regional councils are full of suitably skilled individuals ready to help, all we have to do is ask.

Community catchment groups are another very important resource.

We are far stronger as a group, supporting each other, compared to working as individuals so talk to your neighbour, form a group and help take the wind out of the sails of our critics before it’s too late and regulation and consents manage our farms in the future.

Your View Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across?

The Pulpit offers readers the chance to have their say. nzfarmersweekly@nzx.com Phone 06 323 1519

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Opinion

26 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

A smart move for local rugby Alternative View

Alan Emerson

THE small rural haven of Mangatainoka nestles peacefully between Woodville and Pahiatua.

Its one claim to fame is that its home to the Tui Brewery and shop.

Other than that there’s not a lot happening there except every now and again it has a rural rugby festival that is unique.

It was a preseason game between the Blues and the Hurricanes for the Tui Cup with the politicians playing the Toki Barbarians as a curtain-raiser.

The match is played on a paddock that for the previous six years ran livestock.

On the day of the game, however, it was a highly professional rugby pitch courtesy of the sterling efforts of local farmer Kerry Fergus.

The day is sold as family entertainment and they do it really well.

Entering the ground a Young Farmers member invites you to try

one of their pies or some homemade lemonade.

The pies were state of the art.

After a couple I reckon I could almost play for the Hurricanes. I’d certainly be unstoppable for the Toki Barbarians.

It can be hard these days to get a good meaty pie but Young Farmers nailed it.

There was something for everyone at Mangatainoka. There was food for all tastes, beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and free water.

The politicians’ game was interesting.

They didn’t have heavyweight Kris Fafoi or the speedster Damien O’Connor because of the Nelson fires but they gave it their best shot.

Local Labour List MP Kieran McAnulty started on the left wing, which, I thought, was appropriate.

He’s certainly left wing. He’s also young and quick on his feet.

Both are unusual traits for our politicians.

The problem I had was in the second half he turned up on the right wing. Is he trying to tell me something I wondered?

The Mangatainoka ground holds about 4000 people so it is an intimate setting. You are right on the sideline so you can see everything.

The atmosphere is casual country. I saw neither a tie nor a flash frock.

For an hour before the game started both teams warmed up on the pitch. In the Hurricanes case they were no more than 20 metres in front of us. You could actually recognise players without having to rely on their number.

The game started with a flourish with the Hurricanes quickly going out to a 14-nil lead. Unfortunately, that came back to a 38-19 trail halfway through the second half.

The final score was 38-31 to the Blues.

Ma’a Nonu looked great, not a day over 30 let alone 38. He scored a spectacular try under the posts and looked every bit like the Nonu of a decade ago.

The Blues certainly looked a different team than they have over the last few years so the next weeks will be interesting.

It was a great occasion.

A large number came from the far flung rural empire in buses and coaches. They were there to have a good time and they did. Having said that, I didn’t see anyone who was the worse for wear.

The police were there complete with their tractor. They were visible but unobtrusive.

There were kids everywhere, all having a good time.

HEADQUARTERS: The Hurricanes should be based at Mangatainoka, Alan Emerson says.

After the game the players stayed on the pitch and signed autographs. They were there for a long time.

It was a good showcase for rural NZ too.

There was a topdressing plane showing how precisely it could fly. I was only sorry that Greenpeace and Fish and Game weren’t there to see the precision that is part of modern fertiliser application.

Wairarapa Livestock Transport had trucks and trailers around the ground behind the stands. Punters could stand in the top deck to get a better view of the game, not to mention to see a stock truck firsthand.

It was also great for local businesses able to have their names in front of people and to show their products for all to see.

Tui sponsors the event and it is professionally run. You don’t have massive queues for food and drink, it is quick and easy to enter the ground and take your seat and

the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

So, my view is move the Hurricanes’ home ground to Mangatainoka. You’d have a better class of punter and there’d be full stands for every game. Parking is plentiful and you have neither the Cake Tin queues for food and drink nor the Wellington prices.

The local media would be hugely supportive and there’s a ton of cheap housing around Mangatainoka, meaning the players and staff would be far better off.

Finally, as Mangatainoka is such a happy and non-stressful place the players would be far more relaxed. The Hurricanes would never lose another game.

Shifting to Mangatainoka is a complete no-brainer.

Your View Alan Emerson is a semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath-emerson@wizbiz.net.nz

Bungling service Sparks venting of spleen From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I’M GOING to vent my spleen.

But first, this term deserves some consideration.

In European medicine from medieval times until the 19th century it was believed the spleen was the source of anger and, therefore, anger could be expelled by venting the spleen.

The spleen is a somewhat mysterious organ. It stores fresh blood, it destroys worn-out blood cells, it filters foreign substances and it produces products to fight infection. Yet it can be removed from the body and other organs easily take over its duties.

Venting indicates something physical will be expelled but, in my case, other than steam coming out my ears, nothing else has appeared. Yet. I’m not one to complain in this column so you may well ask what has brought this on.

One word. Spark.

My early internet connection in the mid 1990s was with a little Wellington outfit called Voyager

but a few years later Telecom introduced its internet offering over our copper wires and, like many New Zealanders, we took up the option. The email address below is 20 years old.

It was clunky and slow but all we knew in those days and, as all I did on-line was email, served its purpose. But when it rained the joins in the 45-year-old lines killed the internet and the phone system as well at times.

So, we went to a Telecom wireless option and could just get the service with an aerial on the roof. It was relatively expensive and only a modest improvement.

Then Lachlan, with his excellent little start-up company, Aonet brought decent and wellpriced wireless broadband to our valley and has now expanded throughout the province. I grabbed it with both hands four or five years ago.

Of all the technological innovations and improvements in my farming business over the last 35 years, his contribution is one of the best.

Spark, as Telecom is now called, finally realised our internet wasn’t with them after all this time and sent me an email a couple of weeks ago saying I have to pay to maintain my email address.

I had a good look at their email given the large number of spam Spark emails that come through,

not to mention all the hundreds of other ones their crap spam filters miss, and it looked genuine.

I had to book a call from one of their reps and sure enough at the designated time, they rang me back and half way through telling them that yes, I’d like to pay to keep my email, they disconnected the call.

I waited for them to ring me back but they didn’t and I then had to book another call, which wasn’t until the following day.

They rang me and this time I had Nigel. I know several people called Nigel and they are fine fellows but I’ve always had difficulties with Nigels in the service industry. But this fellow seemed okay. I agreed to pay the $6 each month and he said he would be able to add it to my Spark cellphone.

Job done, one would think.

Four days ago, my email stopped working. I couldn’t download emails and everyone phoned to tell me what they were sending me was bouncing back.

I rang the number and first opportunity for a call back was six hours later so I made sure I was back at the house.

Sure enough, Mary rang me and I explained nicely that Nigel had not done his job as agreed and could she please sort it.

I am trying to run a business

and my life in general and need my email back. She found the problem. Nigel had charged the fee to my landline even though I had given him the cellphone number and account number and even though our Spark landline account had not been active for four years as the excellent Lachlan charges me just $10 whereas they used to charge me $100.

Mary swore on her life that she had rectified the error but it would take a few hours to reset and I said that was fine and thanks.

Next day I was still not able to send or receive emails.

I booked a call with Spark and true to their word, 18 hours later they rang me at exactly the time they said they would.

Sebastian was my call centre mate this time. I asked him what country the call centre was based and was somewhat surprised they were indeed in Auckland. I had always had this naive belief in the competence of Kiwis, now shattered.

After another explanation he was able to tell me that although Mary had indeed charged my cellphone account she had neglected to reinstate my email address. One might have thought this was a large part of the discussion I had had with the woman.

He said he would do it promptly. I was reluctant to let him go and made him do his thing then tried to log into my email account without success.

He said it might take a little time but I had heard this before quite recently. I said surely if he had fixed it I should be now able to receive and send emails. He agreed that was a reasonable assumption.

I was still not keen to end the call on the promise that it would start working soon.

To get rid of me, he gave me his cellphone number.

I have since texted him to say it’s not bloody working and to his credit he has replied to say he will investigate it when he is next back at work.

I see Spark chief executive Simon Moutter is paid over $2.5 million and can’t quite figure why.

The possibility of suing Spark for this shambles and costing my business is crossing my mind if they have this much money to burn.

Having vented my spleen and written this, I am now going to create a Gmail account so I can send it to my editor.

Your View Steve Wyn-Harris is a Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer. swyn@xtra.co.nz

Opinion

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

27

BLACK HOLE: Debt caused by dairy farmers land banking and relying on capital gains and inflation to make money is stopping the dairy industry progressing, Keith Woodford says.

Debt blocks dairy transformation The Braided Trail

Keith Woodford

HIGH debt levels in the dairy industry will constrain the transformation it needs.

I have been exploring how the industry got itself such a debtladen pickle. Here is what I found.

Despite the industry now being well into the third season of good milk prices dairy farm debt with banks has been showing no sign of decreasing.

The latest figures, for December, show total dairy farm bank debt of $41.6 billion. That compares to $41b a year earlier and $40.9b two years earlier.

It equates to about $22 a kilogram of milksolids.

Accordingly, any narrative that dairy farmers overall have been repaying bank debt is incorrect.

The figures tell us that for every farmer who has been repaying debt there has to be another farmer taking on more debt.

This, in turn, raises the question as to what dairy farmers have been doing with the increased cashflow?

The answer would seem to be that much of it has gone into deferred maintenance and also new capital, including machinery and effluent management.

We are seeing increased production but it is largely from the fantastic season in many dairy regions. There is little evidence of new investment that will lead to

ongoing, increased production.

In essence, it has been nonproductive but, in many cases, necessary investment.

The next question has to be what level of payout is required in coming years if debt is to be reined in. A key point is that dairy farmers have always needed capital expenditure just to keep up with the game, let alone any major transformation.

I have an uneasy feeling the break-even milk price is, therefore, higher than commonly believed.

Identifying how the debt is spread across farms has never been easy. Some farms are big and some are small so it is the spread of debt per kilo of milksolids rather than per farm that we need to know.

I could find no official statistics though the Reserve Bank will surely have some internal data to assess resiliency to shocks. So I turned to the DairyNZ Economic Survey.

There I found that at the end of June 2017 average term debt was $25/kg milksolids. Average debt in Taranaki was $28.79/kg and in Waikato it was $27.90/kg.

Remarkably, 17% of Taranaki farmers and 13% of Waikato farmers have debts of more than $40/kg milksolids.

These DairyNZ figures include family debt for those situations where family debt has to be repaid. Accordingly, it is not directly comparable to the bank debt which we know is about $22 per/kg.

Caution is appropriate in applying the DairyNZ numbers to the overall industry. The DairyNZ survey is not random and participating farmers come from those who submit data,

usually via their accountants to DairyBase.

Regardless, there is a clear message there are many farmers with very high debt.

The DairyNZ survey showed average term debt at June 2017 equated to 49% of assets including livestock and shares but with 19.8% of farmers with debts greater than 70% of their June 2017 assets.

That then raised the question of what has been happening to dairy assets since June 2017.

I have an uneasy feeling the break-even milk price is, therefore, higher than commonly believed.

The latest Real Estate Institute statistics for land prices to December 31 indicate dairy land prices have held up but the number of sales has declined.

However, everything I hear from the field tells me only the best farms are selling. This greatly biases the average quoted prices.

The messages I am getting are that for most classes of dairy farms, the prices are down 20%30% from 18 months ago and even then the sales are not occurring.

This suggests increasing numbers of farms with minimal equity.

By this stage I had some clarity but I needed to search elsewhere if I was to understand how we got into this situation.

I went to the now discontinued RBNZ c27 series which goes from 2003 to 2016. Eyeballing the data

suggested there was a clear break at 2009 at the time of the global financial crisis.

From 2003 to 2009 dairy farm bank debt increased from $11.3b to $29b. During that time milksolids production increased by 202 million kilos.

So, on the surface, every extra kilo of annual production incurred an extra $88 of debt. That is a very high figure.

However, during that period something else was happening.

In the South Island many lowdebt sheep farmers were selling their farms to new high-debt dairy farmers who often set up syndicates leveraged off their existing North Island farms. And in the North island older, lowdebt dairy farmers were selling their small dairy farms to other dairy farmers who were on an expansion journey, with these land transfers also financed through leverage against existing assets.

It all worked because land prices were increasing rapidly, which gave the leverage. The banks were queuing up to finance the expanding farmers. The result was that overall industry debt per kilo of milksolids increased from $9.48 to $20.81. Wow. Then, from June 2009 to June 2014, debt rose again from $29b to $34.6b. But the increase was accompanied by big increases in milk production of 432m kilos.

So, total bank debt per kilo of milksolids actually declined from $20.81 to $18.93.

With hindsight, it is now evident the seeds of the situation were well and truly sown from 2003 to 2009. That was when farmers got heavily into the business of landbanking and relying on inflation plus capital gain to see them right.

The banks loved it.

Then came a more focused period when milk prices were outstanding through to 2014 but capital gain was more restrained.

The new debt was used alongside profits to generate increased production though some landbanking was still occurring.

Since 2014 the industry for a while drifted towards a rocky shore but with improved prices is now becalmed, at least temporarily. Two years of bad prices plus 2.5 years of good but not outstanding prices have largely cancelled each other out.

For most farmers low interest rates have been the saviour.

The big questions that remain to be answered now relate to the future.

That is too big a question for now, except for some key observations.

First, banks are no longer queuing up to finance dairy farmers and when funds are available Government policy says funding is no longer to be on an interest-only basis.

Second, the overseas buyers have disappeared, linked to new Government policy on overseas investors.

Third, dairy farmers have lost confidence about the future linked not to milk markets but to societal pressures.

The overarching outcome is a debt constraint that comes up against the industry transformation challenge.

Your View Keith Woodford was Professor of farm management and agribusiness at Lincoln University for 15 years to 2015. He is now principal consultant at AgriFood Systems. He can be contacted at kbwoodford@gmail.com

28 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

On Farm Story

Making a healthy living Taranaki duck farmers Dawn and Glen Bendall are earning a living out of making people, including themselves, healthier. Luke Chivers reports.

I

T IS 7.30am in deepest, darkest winter.

As daylight breaks on mountainous, coastal Taranaki Urenui duck farmer Dawn Bendall is preparing her children for school before fossicking around in wood shavings up to 25 centimetres deep to retrieve 400 eggs.

“The ducks will dig up, they’ll lay and then they will cover the egg up again.

“It’s their little way of not letting the vermin get to the egg so I don’t know what they think of me,” she says, laughing.

Dawn and her husband Glen farm 500 white pekin ducks for eggs – and their health benefits.

The egg saved my life. So, that’s a big part of why we are farming and why we stick at it.

Dawn Bendall Farmer “Because the ducks morsel under the ground they’re getting all of the slugs and bugs and, of course, that’s protein. And the eggs aren’t acidic – they’re an alkaline with omega 3,” she says.

But their nutritional value meant nothing to the couple until 2016, the year Dawn was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer.

“I quickly had to have surgery and undergo six rounds of chemotherapy,” she says.

“The radiation was essentially killing all the fast-growing cells in

my body. The simple act of eating was excruciating.

“One of the few foods I could tolerate without pain was duck eggs.

“The egg saved my life,” she says.

“So, that’s a big part of why we are farming and why we stick at it.

“It’s not just about us and the ducks. It’s about helping people.”

Dawn and Glen spent hours researching the health benefits of eggs and found most people who were allergic to chicken eggs could eat duck eggs without reacting.

With omega 3 and vitamins A, D, E and K2 this alkaline alternative to acidic chicken eggs can even be enjoyed by people with egg allergies, she says.

That newfound knowledge combined with their passion for the primary sector meant duck farming was inevitable for the couple.

“My parents have always farmed and everything from deer, sheep and cattle and dry stock,” Dawn says.

“The lifestyle is in our blood.”

Glen is a third generation poultry farmer.

“Growing up, my family mainly focused on chicken eggs but also converted some of the chooks into meat.

“We were producing about 30,000 meat chickens every week,” he says.

In 2014 the Bendalls settled on their own farm, 37km northeast of New Plymouth.

It is an 87-hectare effective property made up of rolling coastal country that is typically summer dry. It spans one side of Mokau Road and includes 24ha of native bush.

The property is home to 88

WATERED: This year’s hatchings get a drink.

NEW BREED: Dawn with one of her young ducks.

Friesian-Hereford heifers and 30 Wiltshire sheep that keep the land well grazed.

Meanwhile, the couple’s 500 white pekin ducks are a short drive away on a neighbouring block owned by Dawn’s parents.

But Dawn and Glen’s farming career has not always been an easy ride.

“We’ve invested a lot in our land,” Dawn says.

“Our farm was once known to locals as the gorse block. The weed was everywhere.

“We’re working hard to reclaim our land back so we can increase our stock numbers. And it’s starting to pay off now.”

In recent years, the couple have established an organic fertilising process on their property, fenced more than three acres of land and restored an old shed for the ducks.

“Almost all of our fertiliser is produced naturally from the ducks themselves,” she says.

“Every day when we collect the eggs we put down untreated wood shavings and, of course, the ducks litter on that.

“So, when we clean out our sheds every four months we gather up the litter, mix it with lime and then scatter it around our farm. It’s a cheap, organic fertiliser.”

And the Bendalls have noticed significant improvements in their pasture quality.

“We’ve got all the natural grasses growing and it brings a lot of worms to the surface,” Dawn says.

“These earthworms and insects form a large part of our flock’s diet.

We just supplement it with some pellets from MainFeeds from time to time.

“We have the ducks on a rotation cycle whereby our flock systematically moves across three separate paddocks to feed and our

sheep come in behind shorty after to graze on the residue.

“It keeps the grass down. And we’re seeing beautiful new pasture come through,” she says.

In 2015, the couple were granted risk management certification by the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“Simply put, it means we have the right to sell our eggs.

“There’s quite a cost every year that we’ve got to come up with for auditing,” Dawn says.

“But I think certification is absolutely brilliant because it’s keeping the consumer safe and it’s ensuring that we’re doing our job to maintain high standards of food quality and safety.”

Dawn and Glen have two boys – Jacob, 9, and Quinn, 7.

And the family is heavily involved in the Uruti School and community.

“The kids absolutely love rural life. They’re helping us on-farm all the time, whether that be topping up the water for the ducks, finding eggs or cleaning out the duck shed, which is lovely to see,” Dawn says.

And, thankfully, the kids do lend a hand because in the height of the laying season the Bendalls are busy incubating eggs as well.

The couple run a few drakes with the ducks and when they want to increase numbers they

On Farm Story

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

BEST: Dawn Bendall with her favourite chicken, Chickadee, in front of her ducks.

put eggs in an incubator for 28 days.

“It’s one of the best parts of the job,” Dawn says.

“You open up the incubator and there are these little fluffy yellow things poking their heads up and it’s ‘Welcome to the world, little one’.”

Dawn sells the duck eggs locally and also couriers them – carefully – around the North Island.

And ever since she started selling them she has heard a number of stories about people who can now put egg back in their diets, she says.

“I’ve spoken to all sorts of people – from people with chicken egg allergies, to forms of cancers and even a case of polio – who are finding that duck eggs are improving their health.

“Those who are unwell often start feeling stronger, their skin improves and it’s a food they find a lot easier to consume than others.”

Glen says he was really amazed at the number of people coming to them as if their eggs had changed their lives.

“When you hear these stories you instantly go ‘wow – that’s why I’m doing this’. There’s a bigger picture here,” he says.

The market in Taranaki is small but the Bendalls sell their eggs to 15 Taranaki retailers including

TLC Meats and organic health food store Down to Earth and the appetite is slowly growing across the country.

Dawn says so far the operation has cost the couple a large sum, but now they have 500 ducks the business will start to become more profitable.

“In reality, we could be making a lot more money out of chicken eggs because that’s a normal egg so there’s greater demand for it.

“People often say to me ‘they’re duck eggs? Have you got any normal eggs for sale?’”

Naturally, the couple have been trying to educate consumers about the health benefits of duck eggs.

They have good reason to do so.

Consumer demand for duck eggs is rapidly growing across Asia and eastern Europe. Dawn believes it will not be long until New Zealanders follow suit.

“Those who are buying these eggs know how good these are for health.

“And a trend we’re seeing is more and more Kiwis are becoming increasingly aware of what they should or shouldn’t be eating.”

The couple recently established a full distribution network and hope to shift consumer preferences from chicken eggs to duck.

“We’re dealing with a lot of people now and not just locals.

“We’ve got John Millward from Great Taste NZ working as our distributor.

“He’s helping to break down the preconceived ideas that people can have about duck eggs – mostly

uninformed ideas around its taste and nutrition.

And it is working.

A growing number of high-end restaurants – Orphans Kitchen on Auckland’s Ponsonby Road, for instance – are starting to use the eggs.

“Restaurant owners and chefs are finding that free-range duck eggs are absolutely amazing and they’re loving working with them,” Dawn says.

The Bendalls say their next steps are to grow their business even more and build a meat processing plant on their farm.

“We’d like to diversify our farm even more by adding duck meat to our mix,” Dawn says.

“Expansion requires time and money, of course. But it’s an investment we’re wanting to make over time because we’re equally wanting to grow our market.”

Glen says they hope to get up to 1000 ducks by the end of the year.

“It’s been really hard to get to this point.

“So many times we’ve wondered if it’s worth it or if we should just about walk away from it all.

“But then all of a sudden you see the benefits and hear the stories of how our eggs are helping others.”

>> Video link: bit.ly/OFSbendall

CIRCLE: The ducks provide fertiliser for the rest of the farm.

29

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Waihi Beach 530 Waihi Beach Road

Bird's-eye view of the Bay

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Owned for over 30 years, this productive dairy farm affords outstanding panoramic ocean views over the Bay. This beautifully located farm boasts a profitable OAD dairy unit producing a five year average of 48,887 kgMS from 135 full pedigree Jersey cows. A self-contained farm sees all young stock grazed on the property, farm water via a bore pumped to holding tanks and gravity fed to troughs in all paddocks, effluent (compliant until 2028) is spread over pasture by travelling irrigator. In addition, there is a good track system around the wellfenced and subdivided paddocks. The 14 year old main home showcases the view below – an amazing panorama from Mayor Island to White Island on a clear day. Other improvements include a second home and a 17 ASHB shed. Continue as a dairy farm or diversify, with good grazing land and subdivision possibilities to explore.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1pm, Wed 6 Mar 2019 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga Phone for viewing times Mark Spitz 027 442 1295 mark.spitz@bayleys.co.nz

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Hastings 50 Little Bush Road, Puketitiri

Production plus at Puketitiri Located only 53 kilometres north west of Napier 'Te Wairere' is 315 hectares of mainly easy/flat contoured country with a solid reputation for producing strong, quality livestock. Add to this the fully reticulated water system, excellent summer rainfall, strong fertiliser history, fantastic laneway from the woolshed to back satellite yards, along with the huge natural resource of Sika and Fallow deer, this property is an absolute gem providing excellent returns.

Immaculately presented the property is a real credit to the vendor featuring a large four bedroom homestead set in beautifully established gardens, four stand woolshed, implement and hay sheds, sheep and cattle yards.

Vendors are purchasing another property. Don't snooze on this fantastic opportunity.

bayleys.co.nz/2851573

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 12pm, Fri 8 Mar 2019 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Gavin Franklin 027 427 8000 gavin.franklin@bayleys.co.nz EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

bayleys.co.nz

Hastings Brownlie Road, Puketitiri

Contour and rainfall with Puketitiri hunting Nestled under the Kaweka ranges only 57km west of Napier in the renowned Puketitiri farming district is the rare opportunity to purchase 'Rocky Hill' farm. An impressive 429ha finishing property with free draining soils, approximately 145ha deer fenced, a helicopter hangar, walk in chiller, freezer, areas of native bush which provide the perfect habitat for the resident Sika, Red and Fallow deer. "This is not only a very productive farm, but it is also a hunters paradise." Subdivided into over 50 paddocks with fantastic workability, laneway and central stock yards. Improvements include a 2002 built four bedroom home, three bedroom manager's residence, four stand woolshed, five bay implement shed/workshop, sheep and cattle yards. The opportunity to expand on the deer fencing, continue finishing sheep and beef or create a hunting park is fantastic.

bayleys.co.nz/2851504

EASTERN REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Morrinsville 97 Reay and Watson Road Location and scale Located between Hamilton and Morrinsville is this 128ha (more or less) dairy unit. The property has been conservatively farmed with a three year production average of 122,555ms from 350 cows. This well set up unit has a 40ASHB with ACR’s and in-shed meal feeding system. Very good well-formed races feed out to 60 paddocks. The water system comprises a bore with submersible pumped through a filtration system and pressure reticulated to the shed and farm. A second bore provides for domestic use.

Excellent shedding is mostly at the working hub. There are three dwellings with the main being a three bedroom brick home with double garage. Excellent set-up, a very easy to manage contour plus size and location make for a great buying opportunity.

bayleys.co.nz/2310249

bayleys.co.nz

Tender (will not be sold prior) Closing 4pm, Wed 13 Mar 2019 17 Napier Road, Havelock North View by appointment Tony Rasmussen 027 429 2253 tony.rasmussen@bayleys.co.nz Gavin Franklin 027 427 8000 gavin.franklin@bayleys.co.nz

Morrinsville 172A Harbottle Road 3

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Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 7 Mar 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Thu 21 Feb Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Lifestyle with income This tidy 32 ha (more or less) property offers a multitude of farming options. Currently operating as a dairy unit over a larger platform, the past season has seen 125 cows calved, milking through a good 16 ASHB shed, but with the focus firmly changing it now presents a possible future in grazing, fattening or cropping.

The contour is flat to rolling with a good array of infrastructure providing ample storage and quality shedding. The character dwelling is in great order, with added sleepout.

bayleys.co.nz/2310291

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Auction (unless sold prior) 11am, Thu 7 Mar 2019 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton View 12-1pm Tue 26 Feb Mike Fraser-Jones 027 475 9680 mike.fraserjones@bayleys.co.nz Scott Macdonald 027 753 3854 scott.macdonald@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

NEW LISTING

33

TIMARU Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Cnr Church & Sophia Sts TIMARU Office 03 687 7166

Dairy opportunity

DEADLINE SALE

Canterbury 322 Windwhistle Road, Glenroy Endless options - deer, sheep, cattle, crop Ridge Farm is a 128.3ha fully deer-fenced dryland farm. This welldeveloped property has recently been growing kale to winter dairy cows, followed by crop producing very high yields. Fencing is excellent and laneways are well-thought-out, giving access to most paddocks providing many options for farming. The farm is supported by a very good deer shed, cattle yards, hayshed and workshop and a large, six-bedroom family home. With tourist numbers at an all time high, the location of the property being only a short drive to skifields, the Rakaia River and lakes, the home could also be used for homestays or Air BnB.

Deadline Sale (unless sold prior) 4pm, Thu 14 Mar 2019 3 Deans Ave, Chch View by appointment Ben Turner 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz Craig Blackburn 027 489 7225 craig.blackburn@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

pb.co.nz

TENDER

TENDER

Situated just a short drive North of the Cambridge township is this stunningly attractive 100ha dairy unit with an adjacent 16ha of lease.

Currently run as a productive autumn calving dairy unit in it’s past life, this property has run a large number of horses with some of the relevant infrastructure still in place.

To the above add in the top line of dairy infrastructure, the three homes AND the ability to consider purchasing either, the property in its entirety or as separate titles. Pencil this one in for a viewing at your earliest convenience.

DEADLINE SALE

Office 03 687 7145 michael@pb.co.nz

bayleys.co.nz/559364

Tauwhare 884a Victoria Road EYE APPEAL AND LOCATION

WEB ID TMR66239 GLENAVY 333 Glenavy Tawai Road View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 28th March, 2019 at This is a very good farm, 161.8924 ha, with lots of 2.00pm, (unless sold prior) potential to increase cow numbers and production in the future, with half of the farm now under spray irrigation and the balance to be converted to spray within the next five years because of the new rules from MGI. Three dwellings of an excellent standard and good infrastructure including 28 ASHB shed. This 4+ property can be purchased in conjunction with 104 Te Michael Richardson Mairahoa Road 79.9835 ha - TMR66240.

Mobile 027 228 7027

Tender Friday 8 March 12 noon (unless sold prior) View: Monday 18, 25 February, 4 March 11am-12noon harcourts.co.nz/ML4194

Kevin Deane

AREINZ

DIRECTOR/RURAL SALES

M 021 970 902 | P 07 889 8205 E kevin.deane@harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz Kevin Deane Real Estate (Morrinsville) Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Tauwhare 182 Scotsman Valley Road Affordable Scale and Location

With production levels to over 140,000 kgMS this exceptionally well located 116 ha FH with 26 ha LH adjacent property makes for a compelling “must view”.

Lots of great infrastructure including a very modern 32ASHB with ACRs and Pro-track drafting plus a lined pond, PLUS two homes including the master residence of six bedrooms.

Handily located to Hamilton, Cambridge and Morrinsville and zoned for some great schools, this is an exciting option to investigate.

With two Certificates of Title as purchasing options, the choice of use is yours.

Tender Friday 8 March 2019 12noon (unless sold prior) View: Tuesday 19, 26 February and 5 March 11am-12noon harcourts.co.nz/CB3694 Kevin Deane

AREINZ

DIRECTOR/RURAL SALES

M 021 970 902 | P 07 889 8205 E kevin.deane@harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz Kevin Deane Real Estate (Morrinsville) Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Graham Cook B.Com Ag (VFM) Registered Valuer RURAL SALES CONSULTANT

M 027 454 6229 | P 07 823 3854 E graham.cook@harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz Kevin Deane Real Estate (Cambridge) Ltd Licensed Agent REAA 2008

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farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

Land is the biggest asset to any farming business so it pays to stay up to date with the market.

Connect with the right audience at

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

colliers.co.nz

colliers.co.nz

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Accelerating Success

36

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE

07 883 1195

SRM Realty Ltd, Licensed under the REAA 2008, 3/31 Parkhouse Road, Wigram, Christchurch 8040 P 03 466 3105 F 03 456 3105

3994 INLAND KAIKOURA ROAD, WAIAU

Roto-O-Rangi - 350 Parklands Road

Watch our video - https://youtu.be/k6fIsWg6XDA

605.8010 HECTARE

THE CONWAY

VIEW BY APPOINTMENT

A 605.8ha sheep and beef breeding property, situated on the north bank of the Conway River between Waiau and Kaikoura, on the Inland Scenic Route.

This immaculately presented farm has a good mix of flats and rolling to steep hill country and has been continuously improved for the past 25 years, running a mix of breeding ewes and cows, and finishing some cattle, with consistent proven results.

Well maintained and managed, the property is fenced into 44 blocks, well tracked with multiple routes to the main laneway leading to facilities. This property has been run single-handedly for the last 13 years with only occasional casual labour.

The property features a four bedroom homestead with established gardens and pool, plus a three bedroom cottage, stables, three stand woolshed, sheep and cattle yards, and numerous ancillary farm buildings.

Reluctantly brought to the market for sale, our vendor has called time, retiring to be closer to family.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY CLOSING WEDNESDAY 20TH MARCH 2019, AT 2.00PM

MIRANDA WILLIAMS 027 933 7970

WEB REF SCAN00186

Economic Grazing Block

$2,350,000 + GST (if any)

 Mix and match your livestock classes, grow maize or a supplementary feed crop on this 38 hectare property between Te Awamutu and Cambridge  Perfect as a standalone farm or a run off for a larger farming unit  Mairoa ash soils show the benefit of regular fertiliser application  Improvements include a tidy 3 bedroom home, dairy shed used as a calf rearing shed and extensive cattle handling yards plus load out race  Excellent fencing and a water system reticulating to troughs in all paddocks  The access throughout is provided by well-formed laneways  The boundary and laneway fencing is seven wire post and batten while the internal fencing varies from two to four wire electric  The property has been farming bulls and calves on a trading system

Call Steve or David for more information

Steve Mathis 027 481 9060 David McGuire 027 472 2572

Web ID: RAL647

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

EXCEPTIONAL FIRST FARM

Sallan Realty Final Notice

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

101.38 ha- approx.-

CALL 0800FARMTEAM

AUCTION ON SITE

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

6497 State Highway 1, Victoria Valley, Kaitaia Small farm for sale, one family ownership for 140 years

Walton 404 Paratu Road West Available For A Strictly Limited Time

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Chances are you´ll only get one shot at owning this 101 hectare dairy farm in the popular Walton district. Described in a nutshell as a reliable, solid performer, quality improvements and easy gentle rolling contour in two titles with a great location.

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• The price is gone - this is an auction.

• 35ha of spectacular level farm land • Currently run as a beef fattening unit • 20 paddocks all with water • Immaculate house upgraded in 2004 • A first step into rural living?

• An add-on to an existing farm?

• A purchase for semi-retirement?

Auction 1pm, 28th February 2019, Matamata Club, Rawhiti Avenue (unless sold prior) View Thursday 21st Feb, 11-12pm www.ljhooker.co.nz/F6QHR1 ljhooker.co.nz/F6QHR1

__________________________________ Auction 1pm 22 Mar 2019 (unless sold prior) Viewing By appointment only Contact Alan Broadbent 027441 8149

Peter Begovich 027 476 8757 Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 Link Realty Limited Licensed REAA 2008. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

LK0096398©

• Situated on Kellow Road is this outstanding 74 hectare dairy farm.

• Featuring a modern 26 aside herringbone dairy with in bail feeding and a 350 cow circular yard.

• The dairy was built for the start of the 2017/18 season and features all the modern conveniences including modern milking plant, good storage areas, excellent staff facilities along with under cover vet race and stock loading facilities.

• There is very nice a four bedroom brick and tile family home with log fire and heat pump, along with a second three bedroom timber home for staff accommodation.

• Water for stock and domestic is supplied by bore and tank water supplies the homes. A new bore was installed at the start of this season.

• This is a great opportunity to buy a first farm that has exceptional facilities and is in a fantastic location. The lifestyle advantages of farming in this area are many and here is your chance to secure this property from our retiring Vendor.

• For Sale by Tender closing 2pm, 28th February 2019 if not sold prior.

• Call Les on 0274 420 582 to inspect.

__________________________________ Northland Property Group Ltd, Licensed REAA 2008

FAR NORTH

LIS TI N G N EW

MANGARATA - EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTURE, BALANCE AND LOCATION 264 Caves Road, Te Ore Ore, Masterton This very tidy sheep and beef breeding and semi finishing unit is located just 5 minutes from Masterton. Since its purchase in 2009 the vendor has enhanced and improved the property - new 4 stand woolshed and covered yards, new cattle yards, 8 km of fencing, capital fertiliser, drainage and developed the flats and cultivable hills with new grasses, clovers and herbs. There are two houses located together with the woolshed, cattle yards hay/implement shed, workshop and other storage sheds just off the sealed Caves Road entrance. Of the 476ha considered effective there are around 25ha of alluvial based road flats which are complemented by approx. 50ha of easy rolling cultivable land towards the middle of the farm, with the balance of the contour being medium hill country sitting on mudstone soils.

There are a high number of tracks through the 48 main paddocks of the property ensuring ease of access and stock movement. The fertility levels are considered good for this land class. Summer and winter fodder cropping as well as regrassing is undertaken to 20% of the cultivable land per annum. The property winters around 3,500 sheep & 150 cattle. Production levels are very good with a normal lambing average of 150-160%. On Masterton´s door step Mangarata should appeal to those seeking a metro-rural lifestyle close to off farm employment, rural services, quality schooling, restaurants and community facilities. Inspection by Appmt.

THE LAND OF MILK AND HONEY 124 & 278 Tunanui Road, Owhango This attractive Owhango dairy farm ticks most boxes. A milking platform of 110 (effective) hectares with past peak production (2014) of 111,000 KG MS plus the bonus of 220ha grazing country right next door, allowing an opportunity to expand this operation or simply run as a fattening/breeding farm.

Infrastructure includes a 30 aside Herringbone shed with a large 400 cow yard, implement sheds, a 3-bedroom dwelling set in mature surrounds, a 2nd house and a 4-stand woolshed with covered yards. Purchasing options available - Contact me for more information.

373 hectares Offers Invited nzr.nz/RX1703812 Offers Invited By 4pm, Thu 21 Mar 2019, 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

518 hectares Video on website nzr.nz//RX1802803 Tender Closes 4pm, Thu 21 March 2019, NZR, Level 1, 16 Perry St, Masterton.

Blair Stevens 027 527 7007 | 06 370 9199 blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

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farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

FINAL NOTICE

EXCLUSIVE

TE ANGA, WAITOMO 2856 Te Anga Road 'Waitini' - Breeding Finishing Unit • •

• •

519ha, approximately 470ha effective. Contour goes from easy to medium to steeper hill Livestock wintered 2018 - 209 big Angus cows, 590 in lamb ewes, 844 in lamb hoggets, 101 rising 1yr cattle, 8 bulls, 500 extra lambs brought in and finished Three bedroom house, four stand woolshed with covered yards and two implement sheds Waitini has size, contour, water, rainfall and ample ability to increase stock capacity

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KAIRAKAU, CENTRAL HAWKE'S BAY

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DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

• •

VIEW 11.00-1.00pm, Tuesday 19 & 26 February

• • • •

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855 | B 07 878 0265 E pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

•

pggwre.co.nz/TEK29668

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DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

'Matahuia' - Coastal Breeding

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Friday 15 March

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343.89 hectares (849.7 acres) of hill country Coastal breeding unit, ideal as a winter run off or entry level farm, some 40km west of Waipawa Close to Kairakau and Mangakuri beaches Watered from spring fed dams and creeks Three bedroom home, built in 2011 plus a separate double garage Four stand Woolaway shed (500NP), sheep and cattle yards Currently leased, now ready for new owners

Plus GST (if any) Closes 2.00pm, Tuesday 19 March PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Hastings

Doug Smith M 027 494 1839 | B 06 878 3156 E dougsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz Paul Harper M 027 494 4854 | B 06 878 3156 E paul.harper@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/HAS29909 Helping grow the country

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

MAXWELL, WAITOTARA

230 COW O.A.D. – 219 HA

111 hectare dairy farm with excellent infrastructure, 26 aside herringbone cowshed, supplement feeding system which includes two silos and crushing/ mixing system – a number of sheds including calf, workshop, storage, hay. Modern 4-bedroom homestead on elevated site with sweeping views over the Tasman Sea. Nukumaru Water Scheme, Egmont Ash soils, approximately 50% flat, 50% rolling contour. Just 4 minutes down the road on State Highway 3 is a 27 hectare run off. Egmont Ash soils, hayshed, cattle yards and older cottage.

This is a very well located property where properties of this quality seldom come onto the open market.

David Cotton M: 027 442 5920 H: 06 342 9666 E: davidc@forfarms.co.nz

LK0096418©

ID FF2776 Property ID FF1299

Current My-Milk supplier. Available Going Concern.

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty Closing 7th March 2019 unless sold prior. Web Ref GDR3318553

LK0068450©

www.forfarms.co.nz

Approx 120ha effective with further 15ha rough grazing. Production to 90,336kgs MS 230 cows O.A.D. 30 aside Cow shed built in 2013 with ACR’s. 6 bay multi-purpose shed and hay barn. Three bedroom renovated cottage, large open plan living plus a three bedroom permanent material cottage.

John Thornton M: 027 443 0045 H: 06 344 1111 E: johnt@forfarms.co.nz

We welcome your inspection by appointment with Vendor’s agent. $6,500,000 + GST if any www.forfarms.co.nz

North Bank Maruia

Greg Daly AREINZ Mobile 027 478 3594 or A/H 03 762 6463

www.gregdalyrealestate.co.nz Real Estate Agent REAA 2008

“50 YEARS SERVICE TO FARMERS ON THE WEST COAST”

LK0096419©

The Complete Package Dairy Farm & Runoff

Stock Manager

FARM MANAGER – SOLE CHARGE You will be in a sole charge position of a predominantly deer farm located in Rotorua.

The property is 236 hectares effective with 1100 stock units. Although there is also a small mob of sheep run on the property, experience with deer is preferred.

Attractive 3-bedroom house in a good community.

For more information please contact Mike Ramsey on 07 878 7077

Phone 09 232 7845 or 021 233 4914

Applicants must have NZ residency or valid NZ work visa.

Stock Manager Te Akau Stud operates an 800ha sheep and beef finishing property on the West Coast of the Waikato. A vacancy has arisen for a Stock Manager to join the team to continue to drive production to develop this property.

SHEPHERD GENERAL We are looking for an experienced Shepherd General to join our team. We are a deer only farm located in the Rerewhakaaitu, between Murupara and Rotorua.

The successful applicant will have outstanding stockmanship, be a great communicator with technical ability and be able to achieve a high standard of production through pasture management.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated person, preferably with previous experience working with deer. Ideally, you will have tractor, fencing and chainsaw experience.

This position will allow the successful applicant to grow their sheep and beef farm management skills. A 4-bedroom home in attractive grounds, with good quality schooling nearby with competitive remuneration is part of the package.

On occasion you will be required to work on two other Company farms to help out and cover periods of leave. No dogs are required.

Success in this role may lead to a management position, in time.

A 3 bedroom house is available, so could suit a couple or family.

For more information please contact Mike Ramsey on 07 878 7077

RURAL SECTOR RURAL SECTOR • 2019 Trainee Programme - Livestock Representative 2IC • Agribusiness Manager • Block Agronomy • Farm AnalystManager • General Dairy Hand • General Maintenance • Labourer Livestock Specialist • Manager Manager • Pasture and Grazing Specialist Senior Reporter • Sharemilker • Sharemilker Shepherd • Shepherd Shepherd/General

Name:

A comfortable three bedroom cottage or shared single accommodation is available for the successful applicant. Remuneration will be set according to skills and experience.

Enquiries and full employment descriptions can be obtained by contacting Jonathan Neilson jonathan.neilson@npdt.co.nz or 027 237 5687 Applications are to be received by Jonathan no later than 5pm on Friday 1st March 2019

Phone:

Address: Email: Heading: Advert to read:

LK0092630©

LK0096053©

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Return this form either by fax to 06 323 7101 attention Debbie Brown Post to Farmers Weekly Classifieds, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740 - by 12pm Wednesday or Freephone 0800 85 25 80

Classifieds

POWER CABLE

LEASE BLOCK WANTED

We could save you hundreds of $$

KING COUNTRY. Additional 1000 - 4000 stock units sought by an enterprising couple who have already worked their way into a 3400su lease.

HOMES FARM SHEDS SUBDIVISIONS PUMPS

LK0095684©

If you can help or wish in confidence to discuss the suitability of this couple to your situation, please contact in the first instance Geoff Burton, Rgd Farm Consultant, 07 895 8052.

We can help design a sensible and fair lease agreement.

LK0096547©

Ideal tenants and excellent farmers, extremely tidy and will go above and beyond to ensure you enjoy having them on your farm. References available from existing landlord.

Prices include delivery to your door!

For friendly & professional advice CALL 0800 843 0987 Fax: 07 843 0992 Email: power@thecableshop.co.nz THE CABLE SHOP WAIKATO www.thecableshop.co.nz

To be considered for the role applicants need to supply: • A current CV • A covering letter that tells us why we should consider you • Two referees

Please print clearly

employment section of the Farmers Weekly and as added value it will be uploaded to farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz forvacancy one month or Employers: Advertise your in the close of application. employment section of the Farmers Weekly

Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

If you are passionate about working with a progressive organisation and our Iwi and can demonstrate the required attributes, we would love to hear from you.

Applicants should apply with CV, references and referees to: Bryan and Kiyomi Bingley bingleybryan@gmail.com Mobile 021 448 042

Reporting to the Stock Manager on Pihanui Station, the ideal candidate will: • Have a good team of 4-6 well controlled dogs • Have good communication skills • Have good stockmanship • A current driver’s license • Have knowledge of general farming practices • Think for themselves and be able to work unsupervised • Focus on high outputs of quality work • Enhance and contribute to our focus on the health and safety for all parties • Have knowledge of tikanga o Pāhauwera. Te Reo Maori is desirable • Lives and promotes our values and ethics: Whānaungatanga, Kaitiakitanga, Manaakitanga.

EMPLOYMENT REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

Shepherd General Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the Stock Manager

and as addedDebbie value itBrown will be06 uploaded to Contact 323 0765 farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz close of application.

This position would require: • A team of working dogs • An understanding of animal husbandry, a high degree of stock management and finishing skills • In depth understanding of Health and Safety requirements • Awareness of Animal Welfare practices • Self-motivation and initiative showing an ability to work independently • An ability to accurately record, write reports and carry out stock reconciliations on a regular basis • Attention to maintenance and development • A current drivers license, tractor skills, fencing experience, chainsaw operation ability • An ability to work independently • An interest in developing the beef unit while scaling down the deer unit • Ability to take charge in the absence of the owner

LK0096539©

Applicants must have NZ residency or valid NZ work visa.

farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

SeaView Station (Tapora) Wellsford

Available position on 1000 hectares, running sheep, cattle and deer. The property is situated 25 minutes from Wellsford. The western boundary runs along the inner Kaipara Harbour. Close by is Tapora Primary school, Tapora nine hole golf club and community tennis courts.

There is a tidy 3-bedroom cottage with office on offer for accommodation.

Please apply with your CV and cover letter to: hra@crusadermeats.co.nz

JOBS BOARD JOBS BOARD

STOCK MANAGER

Ngāti Pāhauwera Commercial Development Limited seeks an experienced Shepherd General to work alongside the team managing 2500 hectares of sheep and beef farms. This role is predominantly based at Pihanui Station, a 1250ha farm located 30km inland from Wairoa but from time to time may involve assisting staff on other farms in the area.

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

Farm Lease

Under Woolshed/ Cover Yards Cleaning Specialist

0096458

www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

We’re back and taking bookings

JOHNNY GRAY Specialists in mustering Wild Goats, Cattle, Horses and Sheep across New Zealand

Ph: Scott Newman 027 26 26 272 0800 27 26 88 NZ’s #1 service provider for under woolshed cleaning for more than a decade

Expressions of interest are invited from experienced operators for the 3-year lease from 1st April 2019 of 380 hectares on Bossu Road, Birdlings Flat.

MORE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING ON PAGE 40

Check out our website and let results speak for themselves

63.57x70 Farm Lease

The property is all high country ranging from medium to steep hill and supports 2200-2500 stock units. There are some limitations to the farming programme revolving around the owners conservation objectives.

www.aotearoastockman.com

Ph: 027 959 4166 johnnyanderin2017@gmail.com maiexperiencejohnnygray

Working alongside Crusader Meats

Please direct enquiries to John J Ryan, Registered Valuer – Farm Consultant Email: ryanjj@xtra.co.nz

LK0096458©

Applications close 28th February 2019

LK0096457©

Please email your CV with references to: admin@total.ag.com For further information and job description please contact 027 320 3185

LK0096540©

Please apply with your CV and cover letter to hra@crusadermeats.co.nz

LK0096068©

Applications to: bill@ngahiwifarms.co.nz or text contact details to 021 940 088

Full-time position

Remuneration according to ability and experience.

While you may not have management experience, you will have at least two years of head shepherd or leadership experience.

LK0096372©

Attractive home and grounds, schools and shops 6km (bus at the gate).

LK0096569©

Applicant must have all round skills from tractor to stockmanship. Sole charge so must be motivated and organised.

Required for 300ha property North Waikato. Position would suit an enthusiastic person with initiative.

LK0096484©

Central plateau Sheep, Beef and Deer.

700 acres running 3000su.

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Experienced Shepherd General

LK0096520©

Farm Manager’s Position

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

LK0096481©

Employment

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

FLY OR LICE problem?

Electrodip - The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides.

Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness.

Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

ANIMAL HEALTH www.drench.co.nz farmer owned, very competitive prices. Phone 0800 4 DRENCH (437 362).

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, GARLIC & MANUKA HONEY. 20L - $54.95, 200L $495 or 1000L - $2,200 plus GST with FREE SHIPPING from Black Type Minerals Ltd www. blacktypeminerals. co.nz

ATTENTION FARMERS FAST GRASS www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT $5.85 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 brianmace@xtra.co.nz SHED/BARN BUILDER available all of South Island. Has self-contained motor home. 15 years experience. Phone James 027 436 8372.

BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80 to book.

BIRDS/POULTRY PULLETS HY-LINE brown, great layers.

07 824 1762. Website: eurekapoultryfarm.weebly. com – Have fresh eggs each day!!!

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

DOGS FOR SALE

GRAZING WANTED

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

L I V E S T O C K TRANSPORTING OPPORTUNITY for horses, cattle, sheep and all other farm animals for Lifestyle block owners.Low loader, no loading race required.

Can be operated in any region. Owner retiring after 30 years. American-type Gooseneck trailer. Full accommodation complete with Mitsi tractor unit [140,000km]. $60,000 as a going concern, includes registered company name.

Please phone 0274 967 388.

HEADING BITCH 8 months. Natural, good brain. Has send, sit and leave. No vices. Selling due to no work. Parents both top mainstays. Phone 06 388 1425.

SMOOTH COATED COLLIE X working dog pups. Fully inoculated, 18 weeks old, parents top Heading/Huntaway dogs.

ONE tri-coloured male.

ONE b&w female. $450 each. South Auckland.

Phone 027 292 8027.

GRAZING REQUIRED for 350 Hinds short term. For further enquiries, please contact John on 027 495 3505.

RAMS. HILL COUNTRY Perendales. Easy care with good size and quality wool. $250-$500. Phone 06 376 4751 or 021 133 7533.

SPECKLE PARK X pure bred Hereford weaner bulls, 250+kgs. Phone 06 752 9863. Evenings.

RAMS. TERMINAL SIRES Southdowns and Suffolk/ Southdown X for heavy fast growing lambs. Suitable for Hogget mating. $250$500. Phone 06 357 7727 or 021 133 7533.

CONTRACTORS GORSE SPRAYING SCRUB CUTTING. 30 years experience.

Blowers, gun and hose.

No job too big. Camp out teams.

Travel anywhere if job big enough. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

DEERLAND TRADING LTD DEERLAND TRADING LTD buying deer velvet this season and paying above the average. Also contractor required to buy deer velvet. Payment on commission basis. Contact 021 269 7608.

DOGS FOR SALE HUNTAWAY PUPS, 5 months old ready to go.

Phone 06 388 0212 or 027 243 8541.

45 HEADING AND Huntaways in stock!

Deliver South and North Islands, trial, guaranteed. www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos 07 315 5553 / 021 030 0037.

HUNTAWAY BITCH, 10 months. Natural. Keen, works nicely. Great nature.

Phone 0274 888 227.

Evenings.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195.

HORSE TREK FUNDRAISING HORSE TREK. Five days of horse trekking, 60kms west of Napier. Sunday 24th February to Friday 1st March OR choose the days you want to ride. Call Top of the Ridge for further details 027 511 8525 / 027 842 9741. Email: topoftheridgehorsetreks@ outlook.com Fundraising for Lowe Walker Helicopter Rescue Service and Cancer Society HB.

BUYING 350 DOGS annually South and North Islands. No trial or breeding necessary. No one buys or pays more! www.youtube.com/user/ mikehughesworkingdog/ videos. 07 315 5553 / 021 030 0037.

FOR SALE SIRUBA AA-6 Portable Bag Closing Machine. As new. $545. PSSR5014@gmail. com – 022 085 7010.

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten.

Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GOATS. 40 YEARS experience mustering feral cattle and feral goats anywhere in NZ. 50% owner (no costs).

50% musterer (all costs).

Phone Kerry Coulter 027 494 4194.

HORTICULTURE NZ KELP. FRESH, wild ocean harvested giant kelp.

The world’s richest source of natural iodine. Dried and milled for use in agriculture and horticulture. Growth promotant / stock health food. As seen on Country Calendar. Orders to: 03 322 6115 or info@nzkelp.co.nz

LEASE LAND SILVERHILLS LEASE. An attractive property has come back to the market to be re-leased after three years, due to the current leasee’s trying to purchase their own property. Silverhill is 1725 hectares, with 582 hectares of farm and 1142 hectares of run block in the foothills of Albury. The property has a reliable climate and good soils. There are 3 homes 2 shearing sheds, 3 sets of cattle yards, 2 deer sheds and currently running approximately 9500 stock units. Options to lease entire property or parts thereof. Web ID TMR66450. Michael Richardson, phone 027 228 7027, michael@pb.co.nz

MARTON LIONS CLUB MARTON LIONS CLUB mans shed. VIEW spitfire aeroplane, shearing gear, milking goats, bottles, vintage machinery, cars, trucks, tractors, helicopter, Mack trucks, Steel sculptures and more.

Saturday 16th March, 2019.

9.00 to 3.00 Registration Marton Memorial Hall & Spitfire hanger Ohakea Air Base, from 8.30. Cost $30.00 cash only. Raising funds for Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter. Murray Richardson Convenor 06 3278503. Steve Carkeek 0274 993 165.

PERSONAL COUNTRY LADIES looking for love! Whether you are in town or on the land, CCN can help you find that special lady to enjoy your life with. Call for a FREE compatibility match to start meeting genuine singles in your area seeking companionship & love today.

Seniors Welcome.

Please call 0800 446 332 www. countrycompanionship. co.nz

HOUSE FOR REMOVAL wanted.

North Island.

Phone 021 0274 5654.

STOCK FEED

Property SOLD

SHEEP JETTERS SINCE 1992

Ph 06 835 6863 Mob 021 061 1800 Jetter video: www.craigcojetters.co.nz

DOLOMITE Lease farm required NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call ....

0800 436 566

STOP BIRDS NOW!

ZON BIRDSCARER

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

SELLING SOMETHING? FOR SALE

Advertise in Farmers Weekly

CLEARING SALE

• Adjustable V panels • Davey Twin Impellor Pump • 6.5 or 10hp motors

Save time and money – flystrike and lice cost $$$ Guaranteed performance Quick to set up – easy to use – job done

HAY 12 EQUIVALENT squares $60. 15 equivalent rounds $70. STRAW 12 equivalents $45. BALEAGE at $75. Unit loads available.

Phone 021 455 787.

P.O. Box 30, Palmerston North 4440, NZ

DE HORNER

• Robust construction • Auto shut gate • Total 20 jets • Lambs only 5 jets • Side jets for lice

PROPERTY WANTED

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET

LK0095993©

ANIMAL HANDLING

Classifieds

A progressive and hard working farming family, who are recognised for the care and attention they put into their current lease bocks are looking to expand their existing sheep and beef leasing operations. Ideally the farm will be located in Central Hawke’s Bay however should the right farm exist they are happy to expand the location to take in the wider Hawke’s Bay and Tararua areas.

Farm requirements include: • Sound infrastructure including woolshed, sheep and cattle yards, fencing and tracks • Solid fertiliser history • Greenfeed cropping areas • Good water supply The lease area must be greater than 100ha in size. However smaller fInishing blocks may also be suitable.

The requirement of a family home will depend on the location of the farm and is open for discussion.

Lease term is also up for discussion with an initial term of 3-4 years with right of renewals.

The couple would look favourably at those farms/blocks where the potential to purchase is a future option.

Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@globalhq.co.nz

LK0096544©

classifieds@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

LK0096371©

40

Please call and/or leave a message on 027 243 1913 for further information

Farm / Contracting Plant & Machinery S W BIRCH CONTRACTING Saturday 23 February at 11.00am 1928 SH 3 Maxwell - Wanganui

Standard price $1690 (GST incl) Including tie down rail (as shown) $1990 (GST incl)

ITEM DESCRIPTION

New Holland T6070 – 1715 hours, John Deere 6210, Massey Ferguson 35 petrol, New Holland BR7070 round baler 17,500 bales, New Holland BC 5060 conventional baler, Fella TS 671 swather, 2 x Claas Volto 52 tedders, 2 x Claas disco plus mowers 3050 & 2650, PZ haybob 300, Mitsubishi L200 flat deck Ute 4x4 with Hydraulic crane, 250 lt portable fuel tank, 3pt linkage crane, UDY forks, old Kawasaki motorbike.

Custom builds are available • Shipping costs additional if required

Dimensions 1600w x 900d x 600h

LK0094398©

Introducing our new large flatdeck dog box

wfmcanopies.co.nz • 07 307 2333 • office@wfmltd.co.nz

Selection of native timber – Totara, Rimu, split native battens, heavy hardwood beams, Farm sundries, fencing tools, electric fence standards/reels, heavy barred steel gate, Oxy acetylene torch + regulators, Karcher water blaster, small anvil on block, 3 x brushcutters, chainsaws, 2 x leaf blowers, gate, bolts, gudgens, etc.

Garden equipment – ride on lawn mower, Morrison reel mower with new engine, garden hand tools, seeders, planters, sprayers.

Household items – fridge freezer unit, microwave ovens, near new washing machine, clothes dryer, outdoor furniture, 2 x BBQs etc, new dehumidifier.

SUNDRY ITEMS – TOO MANY TO LIST

Auctioneers Note: The machinery has been maintained to a very high standard.

Outside entries accepted – Terms strictly cash – sale + GST

Between 40% to 75% off storewide (T&C’s online only and for a limited time)

Including our luxury Pure Merino range

Pre-inspection of plant welcomed. Contact vendor Stephen Birch: 027 227 4116 RIVERCITY LIVESTOCK 1995 LTD LICENCED AUCTIONEERS LK0096395©

David Cotton 027 442 5920

LK0096542©

Numerous power tools – bench grinder, angle grinder, cut off saw, hand tools including antique tools, old carpentry tools, old separator, boxes new coach bolts.

www.nurturedbynature.co.nz

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

41

WHAT DO YOU SEE? That’s right, guaranteed black face lambs sired by Suffolk rams.

SHIRE® (hair) & WILTSHIRE (shedding) MEATY RAMS FOR SALE NOW! Low input meat breed, NO FLY STRIKE, NO DAGGING, NO SHEARING, NO VACCINES, NO DIPPING NO DRENCHING SINCE 1989 Reduced work, high fertility, hardy, fast growing lambs.

Stud established 1987 ALSO SHIRE® X WILTSHIRE RAM LAMBS $450 EACH + GST Certified BioGro (215) Organic since 1989. Deliver all over NZ

FOL UF K S

E

PERFOR

IT’S TIME TO MEAT A MODERN DAY SUFFOLK FOR A SUFFOLK BREEDER NEAR YOU VISIT nzsheep.co.nz/suffolk

LK0095509©

F

A

O

L

Growth - Meat - Survival

Phone Tim & Helen Gow 03 225 5283 www.organic-rams.co.nz • Email: tim@organic-rams.co.nz

NC

SEA

Whether finishing or selling store, only a genuine black face Suffolk ram can give you this advantage.

M

SALE TALK

As the man stepped out of the shower, he heard someone in the kitchen downstairs.

Knowing that his wife was out, he immediately ran to their room and grabbed his 1903 heirloom rifle – which no longer worked – and crept downstairs.

Slowly he came around the corner with the gun raised, only to find his wife loading the dishwasher.

“What are you doing,” she asked.

“I thought I heard an intruder and came down to scare him.” replied the husband.

Scanning the contours of his doughy, naked, still wet body, she mumbled, “You didn’t need the gun.”

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Spring Calving Herds

100 KiwiX OAD cows BW74 PW95 DTC 1/8 50/50 computer split of herd, long walks on hills & Flat.

Will shift well Low SCC $1700 460 F/FX Herd BW72 PW87 RA90% DTC 24/7 Web Ref DH1272 Sharemilkers exiting the industry Strong framey cows 370ms low SCC $1950neg 220 F CRV Herd BW38 PW59 RA82% DTC 1/8 Web Ref DH1205 Very Tidy herd, Great udders, System 1 $2000 245 outstanding Jersey Cows BW96 PW86 RA100% Web Ref DH1209 DTC 20/7 Sharemilker owned, closed herd for 23 yrs $2100 360 FX Herd BW67 PW77 DTC 15/7 Web Ref DH1198 Bred for udders & Fertility, Great temperament & confirmation. $2050 90 F/FX Cows Low BW PW DTC17/7 Milked on a hard coastal block $1525 70 F 2nd Calvers BW105 PW99 RA100% DTC 27/7 Milked in a large herd. Long cold winters. These cows will impress. $1950 Philip Webb Ph: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern North Island Dairy Coordinator

Beltex nd Annual Sale Seco Friday 1 March 2019

Viewing from 11am, Sale starts 1.30pm ‘Rangiatea’, 571 Upper Downs Rd, Mt Somers, Mid Canterbury

Rams

Ewes

22 Purebred lambs 14 Beltex/Poll Dorset 2-tooths 2 Purebred 2-tooths 17 Beltex/Perendale 2-tooths 13 ¾ bred lambs 15 Beltex/Poll Dorset 22 Beltex/Suffolk lambs 12 ¾ bred lambs 15 Beltex/Poll Dorset lambs 70 Beltex/Perendale lambs 22 Beltex/Perendale lambs

South Island Herds & Heifers

LK0096381©

460 FX/J Herd BW82 PW101 RA92% DTC 1/8.

Web Ref DH1242 System 1, Bred for fertility & udders, good age structure. $2085 200 F/FX Herd BW51 PW83 DTC 1/8 Web Ref DH1223 Managers cows, low SCC $1950 160 FX I/C Heifers BW126 PW124 DTC 24/7 $1750 Paul Kane: 027 286 9279 National Dairy Coordinator

Hit the bulls-eye with advertising in Farmers Weekly.

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Callum Dunnett

027 587 0131

Blair Gallagher 021 022 31522 Simon Eddington Jock Allison 0275 908 612 021 363 337

Reaching over 78,000 rural mailboxes weekly we are the ideal space to engage with the right audience for your bull sales.

Farmers Weekly also publishes a free weekly e-newsletter during autumn and spring that showcases bull sale results from around the country. Adding digital advertising options to link to your catalogue offers added benefits.

STAY OUT FRONT OF THE MOB

farmersweekly.co.nz

2424FW

To find out more, contact Nigel Ramsden on 06 323 0761, 027 602 4925 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

Advertise your ram sales in Farmers Weekly Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@globalhq.co.nz

42

livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

THE NORTH ISLAND HOME & meAT OFGroWTH PERFORMANCE BORDER LEICESTER RAMS

m

Phone Alistair 06 372 7861

TErdTAUMATA HEREFORD Border LeicesterPOLL & Romney

NOTICE OF CLEARING SALE

33

June 7th 2012 at 12pm

On A/C PETER & JOY HORRELL Clifden - Tuatapere Stock & Plant Thursday 7th March 1:30pm

To view our bull sale catalogue & pictures of sale lots go to:

Rams For Sale

ENTER AT

free DelIVerY

Beef

Comprising Approx: 750 Per Tex Ewe Lambs 820 Per Tex 2th Ewes – Nov Shorn 800 Per Tex 2 SHR Ewes – Jan Shorn 760 Per Tex 3 SHR Ewes – Jan Shorn 750 Per Tex 4 & 5 SHR Ewes – Jan Shorn

www.tetaumata.co.nz POLL HEREFORDS Est. 1962

FOR SALE

Wanted March Mid JulyMid Delivery

Note: Peter & Joy have committed to achieving top results in their farming program for many years. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase ewes with a depth of breeding consistently performing at the highest level.

2016 Born(F12+) Friesian Heifers Friesian (F12+) 2017 Heifers Born $1700 $1250 Gross 2018 Autumn Born $1100

• 3yr Eye Dog • 3yr Huntaway • 2 Older Yard Dogs

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

RJ & RL KNOWLER – Clifden • Dual axle hay trailer • Electric lamb warmers • Hecton E21 crutch

• • • • • • •

Trailing magnesium duster CDAX prill sower CDAX SR 100 L bike sprayer CDAX 200 L spray tank and boom Bissett Rotowiper Comet P38 motorised spray pump Gilkinson Eng 2000 litre diesel tank Vanguard wool press’s Calder Stewart wool table and Bins Shearing Grinder 3 phase Lister dagging plant and track Donald Alloy wheeled sheep loading ramp Cattle loading ramp Sunbeam 60 shower dip and tanks Hecton lead up race Trutest scales and 2 way sheep scales Galvanised sheep crate for ute 21 Mothering up sheds Lamb warmers 12 round bale feeders Hay racks Wilmar grain silo and auger 4-7 metre by 400 mm RSJ bridge beams Burford chemical shed Burford killing shed 2 freezers and vaccine fridge Dog kennels Duck decoys and copper Vintage trailing plough and steel wheeled flower plant box garden ornaments Approx 800 conventional bales of hay Numerous electric triple reels and standards Fecpak worm testing kit Grass master pasture meter Honda HRU 215 self-propelled rotary lawn mower Masport rotary hoe General farm sundries

South Island

South Island Richard Harley 021 765 430 Richard Harley 027 021481 7659772 430 Greg Collins Greg Collins

BL HAMPTON FARMS • 4 Cradle Hay Racks • Willett Ridger Rubber Wheels • 40 CFT Freezer

• • • • • • • • •

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

KAAHU GENETICS AUSTRALIAN WHITE SHEDDING SHEEP

BF & EC HORRELL 240 amp 3ph welder Pedestal grinder 3ph 2 workshop tables Nisson Patrol white spoke rims Air compressor Sheep loading ramp Drive Shaft Alloy diesel tank 270 litre 1200 volt pump

Please come to our Open Day 28 February 2019 11 am start at 154 SH 30 Whakamaru They have landed and are the future for New Zealand sheep farmers.

TOP TATTYKEEL GENETICS DIRECT FROM AUSTRALIA. 4 rams 43 ewes • They are low input sheep • No flystrike • Have good black feet • High growth rates • Don’t need shearing • Carcass high yielding regularly yielding 50% + • Breed out of season (can lamb 3 times in 2 years) • Renowned for taste and eating quality

EM MCINTOSH • Tandem axle Horse float in good condition • Backblade IONE FARM • Dromore Leveller • Back Blade • 6 x Flexi Nets

Introduction 11am Start morning tea. View sheep Midday 1. Cam Heggie PGG Wrightson 2. Murray Sargent Kaahu Genetics 3. Graham Gilmore Tattykeel (Foundation Australian White flock) 4. Q + A session 12.45 Light lunch Please R.S.V.P by the 24/02/2019 as this is essential for catering purposes to kaahugenetics@hotmail.com

KELVIN LOTT – CARRFIELDS 027 226 6153 PETER & JOY HORRELL 03 226 6728 or 021 461 998

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

027 481 9772

LK0096408©

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

LK0096545©

• • • • • •

BN & F COLLIE – Feldwick Willet Discs Pottinger 3.5m Disc mower Dutch Harrows Urea spreader for motor bike 500 ltr 2011 Yamaha Rhino UTV Backblade

FRIESIAN BULL CALVES 140-180kg 350-420kg R2 YR FRIESIAN BULLS R2 YR BEEF BULLS 400kg+ 3560-420kg R2 YR ANG & AX STEERS

North Island

OUTSIDE ENTRIES

LS & JM GIBBS – Riverton • Maschio Power Harrow

STOCK REQUIRED

North Island Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Luke McBride Wayne Doran 027 027304 493 0533 8957 Wayne Doran 027 493 8957

PLANT

• •

80 x ANGUS DAIRY BULLS AUTUMN MATING 500kg 16 x HEREFORD BULLS 515kg 1800 x CAPITAL STOCK BREEDING EWES

Export Contract Contract Export

Lambs ave 18.5/19.5kg – Clearance by mid-April Lambs are achieving good yield results and premiums through Alliance processing.

2015 John Deer 6125 M W/Loader 1640 Hrs Claas Disco 3050 7 Disc Mower 2015 Honda TRX 420 4WD 1996 Honda TRX 300 2WD HDale Crutch and Weigh Combo sheep Auto Drafter New Holland 377 conventional baler Craft side mounted fully hydraulic Post Driver Ewing Trailing Motorised Bale Buggy Willet rubber wheeled Ridger with hydraulic lift Reid and Gray Cambridge roller drill Prattley Alloy Trailing Yard / 20 gates Prattley Drenching Races Prattley Sheep foot baths 1968 Chamberlain Champion 306 Tractor with duals MF 135 petrol tractor, belt pully, saw bench and post hole digger 2 PZ DS5000 Haybobs Hay Impalers Hay Trailers Heavy trailer carries 12 bales balage Burnett Tip trailer G Paterson Hydraulic Rock Trailer Motor bike trailers and crates Quad Pod cab Webco silage wagon Robertson silage grab Rata bale forks Soft hands 10’ Reid and Gray Discs Duncan Rotocrumbler Glenelg leveller Thornbury hydraulic wheeled leveller Hooper chain harrows Storrie trailing swede scuffler

BVD VACCIn

farmersweekly.co.nz/ewehogget2019

Breeding – Gardyne Crest Stud and Smith Newhaven Stud Toxo and Campo Program Scanning 188% Lambing 160%

Cam Heggie PGG Wrightson 027 501 8182

Murray Sargent Kaahu Genetics 027 392 7242

LK0096572©

www.tetaumata.co.nz

Carrfields are pleased to be able to offer on a/c M/S PJ & JM Horrell an outstanding line of proven high producing breeding ewes.

• • • • •

AnnuAl on fArm Bull SAl

OPEN DAY

Alistair & 1

• •

Many cows contracted to LIC for 2011 matings Due to calve from 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks AB Jersey and Kiwi cross livestock@globalhq.co.nz – 0800 85 25 80 • Estimated to be 420 cows after non pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection • Production last season 347kgs ms/cow, 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper contoured farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize Several Complete Ayrshire Herds and replacement fed. lines available.

• Young replacement stock also available

Livestock

FARMERS WEEKLY – February 18, 2019

43

Heifer Grazing DAIRY HERDS WANTED URGENTLY

Available from May 1st for 50 to 60 heifers for long term at $9.25 per week plus gst

Renowned for their hardiness, longevity, good udders, • Lines of 40 to 130 in-calf Friesian heifers, preferably LIC with Outstanding adaptability to all & environments andto consistent genetics potential be one of good index. Must be well grown and from a capital line. Calving production why notsuppliers consider the Ayrshire. the countries leading of Genetics to 20th July onwards. Phone Matt Sanson 027 556 9928 the dairy industry for– 400 years come.from Fullearly details Lines from 50 cowstoavailable,

Weight gain guaranteed at .6 kg per day Full herd management on South Auckland property LK0096390©

Call farm manager Fraser on 021 056 8156

available. calving to OAD milking.

• 550 KiwiX or FrX July calving cows from a closed herd. Need to have good figures and age structure.

EnquiriesGive to me thea call, sole agents: I’mmarketing sure I could meet your needs.

Phone Brett Wallbank 027 488 1299 Contact Brian Robinson

• Friesian cows and in-calf heifers with WWS, Semex, Samen orBrian Robinson BRLL Ph 0272 410 051 CRV genetics. Phone Harry Stanway NZFLL 027 556 9948 PH: 0272 410051 or 07 8583132 • Also, large numbers of straight Friesian recorded weaner/R1 Gary Falkner heifers for immediate delivery. Contact Donald McKenzie 021 754 Jersey Marketing Service PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491 174; Ollie Carruthers 027 451 5312; John Watson 027 494 1975

DAIRY HERDS/STOCK FOR SALE

AUTUMN CALVING COWS

On A/c: D J Van Bysterveldt F/T

Our vendor purchased these cows as elite young MT’s at the Morrinsville High BW empty cow sales. They have been diligently milked right through the winter and progressively dried off over the spring. All cows have been dry cow treated.

• 300 Xbd/Frs cows. Excellent age structure, off Northland farm, doing 400ms/cow on a low input system. $1700. Listing # NOR67114. Contact Donald McKenzie 021 754 174

BVD & M Bovis Milk Tested Free – Certificates available

LK0096537©

• 83 Friesian R2 heifers, CRV bred. BW69; PW75. DTC 25/7.

Genuine replacements bred from A2 sires. $1650. Listing # MAN64817. Contact Clint Worthington 021 209 2236 View further Listings or Wanted Stock on www.mylivestock. co.nz or contact John Watson 027 494 1975

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE

Key: Dairy

For photos and more information visit www.agonline.co.nz

NORTH ISLAND HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS BW 68/34

230 MA Xbred, Jsy Cows

$1,875+GST

PW 65/11

•

RA99% High Country Herd, Fantastic Type and Uddered Cows Kim Harrison – 0275 010 013 Agonline ref: 1659

216 M/A Frsn, Jsy, X/Bred Cows BW 92

PW 111

$1,900+GST

BW 66

BW 76

•

PW 78

$1,950+GST

•

Ambreed crossbred to jersey herd, from a very wet and tough farm.

Craig Murray – 027 322 0063

RA99% long established Friesian herd 30yrs , G3 profiled , A2 tested.

Jamie Cunninghame – 027 583 3533

Agonline ref: 2900

Agonline ref: 2898

620 M/A Friesian, X/Bred Cows BW 84

•

280 MA Friesian Cows

$1,775+GST

PW 105

$1,700+GST

350 M/A Friesian, X/Bred Cows BW 60

•

PW 72

$1,680+GST

•

RA97% Top Young Herd at just 3.71 yrs avg, good clean well uddered Herd.

Andrew Leggett – 022 038 3216

RA94% Large Herd that is milked OAD on rolling hill country using System 2.

Chris Johnston – 027 257 4091

RA64% Predominantly Young Herd, Low Inputs, “Well Worth Inspection”.

Chris Ryan – 027 243 1078

Agonline ref: 2020

Agonline ref: 2886

Agonline ref: 2850

254 M/A Kiwi X Cows BW 101

220 M/A Frsn/Frsn X Cows

$1,890+GST

PW 117

BW 91

•

PW 108

180 M/A Jersey Cows

$1,900+GST

BW 116

•

PW 104

$1,950+GST

•

RA96% Kiwi X Herd that’s been in the Family for 50 years, 3 Digit Herd Code.

Shaan Featherstone – 027 666 1198

RA100% 4 years breeding, good Indexes, 102,000 M/S - 5 year average.

Allan Jones – 027 224 0768

RA99% Long established Closed Herd, bred for confirmation & temperament.

Tod Van Berlo – 027 529 7748

Agonline ref: 2184

Agonline ref: 2621

Agonline ref: 2852

26 3-7yr Xbred Autumn Calving Carryover Cows

152 3-5yr Frsn, Frsn/Jsy X Autumn Calving Carry Over Cows

185 1yr X/Bred R1yr Heifers BW 159

PW 158

$900+GST

•

RA100% Complete Replacement Line of Kiwi C Heifers, well grown, 1st May Delivery.

Dean Evans – 027 243 1092 Agonline ref: 2494

BW 96

PW 97

$1,550+GST

BW 104

•

PW 156

$1,680+GST

•

RA99% Vaughn Larsen – 027 801 4599

RA99% Dry Cowed, Delivery Mid Feb. Dean Evans – 027 243 1092.

Agonline ref: 2653

Agonline ref: 2551

SOUTH ISLAND HERDS & INCALF HEIFERS

Lock it in!

List your dairy herd now.

300-310 M/A Frsn, Jsy, X/Bred Cows

PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists in marketing and selling dairy herds.

$1,950+GST

` RA82% Very tidy Cows, mainly BW 81/45

PW 95/62

•

100 Frsn/Frsn X InCalf Heifers BW 124

PW 127

$1,600+GST

•

Friesian and X/Breeds, Good Frames.

Murray Bain – 027 433 8678

RA87% Capital Line of Frsn & Frsn X Heifers, Well Grown, “Worth A Look”.

Brendan Clay – 027 613 0330

Agonline ref: 2889

Agonline ref: 2905

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

LK0096507©

• 250 predominantly strong-black Xbd cows. BW98; PW135; RA96%. Very young age structure. 76% in-calf 6 weeks AI. FrX replacements also available.

Contact Emmet McConnell 027 443 7671

DTC 10/3/19 to AB, expected calf BW 169 PW 182 All Cows scanned to date, with a tight 4 week calving spread.

Visit mylivestock.co.nz for further details Or call Ollie Carruthers 027 451 5312

Thursday 28th February 2019 12.30PM 600 Cattle Comprising: 400 Weaner Steers: 100 Top South Devon 30 Top Charolais X 50 Top Simmental & Simm X 50 Top I Hereford/Friesian 80 Good Hereford & Here X 100 Good Angus - Angus/Hereford 40 Goof Beef Shorthorn & S/Horn X 200 Weaner Heifers: 50 Good Charolais & Simm X 80 Top South Devon 50 Good Angus & Angus/Hereford X 30 Good Hereford-Fries X & Hereford 30 Top Angus-Here-Fries X The above cattle are annual drafts which include Autumn born lines are from Raglan, Waingaro and coastal hill country districts & highly recommended.

Enquiries to: Chris Leuthart - PGG Wrightson 07 825 8410 or 027 493 6594, or Brent Bougen - NZ Farmers 07 848 2544 or 027 210 4698.

• Attractive 420 cow Xbd herd. Nice uddered. Young age structure.

Plenty of potential. 50% Blacks. BW92; PW116; RA 96%. DTC 23/7. Listing # WAI66133. Contact Michael Conwell 0272261611

150 Frsn, Xbd & Jsy Autumn Calving Young Cows BW 110 (up to 177) PW 162 (up to 319) RA 99%

100 M/A Friesian Cows

KAUROA (RAGLAN) ANNUAL WEANER FAIR

• 475 Fr/FrX cows with young age structure available due to farm sale. Still producing 1.9ms/cow at year’s end. BW87; PW107; RA98%. Long established herd. DTC 20/7. Listing # WAI66773.

Contact Steve Morton 027 246 5165

Tuesday 26th February 12 noon Morrinsville Dairy Complex

Benefit from the specialist team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers.

Cattle

Sheep

Other

ANNUAL HEIFER FAIR

BEAUMONT STATION ANNUAL LAMB AND EWE SALE, SOUTHLAND

Friday 22nd February 12.30 Tuakau Sale yard Waipuna Valley Farms 1200 15 month Beef Heifers comprising: 500 Angus & Ang/Hfd 400 Char/Ang X 300 Sim/Ang & Exotic Cross This seasons draft came forward in excellent condition and showing good frame.

Farmed in large mobs on genuine hill country Cattle in hand several days before sale day, weighed dead empty.

100% purchased from North Island Herds Guaranteed farmed as empty Ideal weights for early spring trade lot est 300/370kg Contact Tony Blackwood 027 243 1858 Vendor: David Short 07 826 7763

Account SW Minty “Beaumont Station” Ohai, Southland Wednesday 20th February, 2.00pm Offering comprising approx: 4000 Perendale Crypt Lambs 1500 Southdown and Suffolk x Lambs 500 Perendale Ewe Lambs 1200 Perendale AD Ewes and Works Ewes A top line of Hill Country Lambs that are renowned for their shifting ability and growth rates.

Scratched, drenched and 5 in 1.

Highly recommended.

Contact Willie Swale 027 441 6433

PRELIMINARY NOTICE Canterbury Park Straight Beef Store Cattle Sale Wednesday 27th February, 10.00am IB DEANS – “Kilmarnock”, Blythe Valley

500 Angus & Angus Hereford Cross 15mth Heifers farmed as empty– preg tested empty 13th Feb 20 Hereford 15mth Heifers Farmed as empty – preg tested empty 13th Feb 20 Angus & Angus Hereford X 2 ½yr Heifers with Calves @foot 200 Angus & Angus Hereford Cross 15mth Steers

TB Status C10 Further inquiries to Nic Denton - 027 4344 094

Lock it in!

List your dairy herd now.

Go to pggwrightson.co.nz/dairyherdsales

Helping grow the country

LK0096531©

Dairy Cows For Sale

MARKET SNAPSHOT

44

Market Snapshot brought to you by the AgriHQ analysts.

Suz Bremner

Nicola Dennis

Mel Croad

Cattle

Reece Brick

Caitlin Pemberton

Sheep

BEEF

Deer

SHEEP MEAT

VENISON

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.30

5.50

5.50

NI lamb (17kg)

7.20

7.20

6.90

NI Stag (60kg)

9.75

9.75

10.80

NI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.05

5.30

NI mutton (20kg)

5.00

5.00

4.65

SI Stag (60kg)

9.80

9.80

10.80

NI Cow (200kg)

3.80

3.90

4.10

SI lamb (17kg)

6.85

6.90

6.75

SI Steer (300kg)

5.10

5.15

5.30

SI mutton (20kg)

4.85

4.85

4.55

SI Bull (300kg)

4.95

5.00

5.10

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

SI Cow (200kg)

3.75

3.80

4.15

UK CKT lamb leg

8.75

8.75

8.86

US imported 95CL bull

6.50

6.96

6.79

9.0

US domestic 90CL cow

6.96

6.78

6.58

8.0

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg CW

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

North Island steer slaughter price 6.0

Last week Prior week

Last year

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

North Island lamb slaughter price

10 9 8 7 6

6.0

South Island lamb slaughter price

9.0 $/kg CW

South Island steer slaughter price

6.0

7.0

6

6.0

$/kg CW

Oct

Dec 5-yr ave

Feb

5-yr ave

Jun

2017-18

Aug 2018-19

Jun

Aug 2018-19

Prior week

Last year

Coarse xbred ind.

2.86

2.89

2.86

37 micron ewe

2.70

2.30

$/tonne

6.5 6.0

May-18

Jul-18 Sept. 2019

Sep-18

Nov-18 Sept. 2020

Last price*

-

-

650

523

2.90

Super

321

321

307

5.50

DAP

843

843

785

Mar-18

vs 4 weeks ago

NZ average (NZ$/t)

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

370

Jan-18

Fertiliser 650

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

CANTERBURY FEED BARLEY Prior week

Aug 2018-19

Urea

420

320

Jan-19

DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Jun

Last year

470

Mar-18

Apr 2017-18

Prior week

CANTERBURY FEED WHEAT

7.0

5.5

Feb

Last week

Grain

Data provided by

MILK PRICE FUTURES

$/kg MS

Apr 2017-18

Last week

30 micron lamb

Dairy

Dec

FERTILISER

(NZ$/kg) Apr

Oct

5-yr ave

WOOL

Feb

8

5.0

5.0

Dec

9 7

5.5

Oct

10

8.0

4.0

4.5

$/kg CW

$/kg CW

11

4.0

4.5

South Island stag slaughter price

12

5.0

5.0

Last year

11

7.0

5.5

Last week Prior week

North Island stag slaughter price

12 $/kg CW

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Ingrid Usherwood

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

13.2

13.75

10.42

Meridian Energy Limited (NS)

3.75

3.79

3.38

Auckland International Airport Limited

7.505

7.72

7.065

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

13.7

14.16

12.3

Spark New Zealand Limited

4.08

4.18

3.96

Ryman Healthcare Limited

11.07

11.5

10.4

Mercury NZ Limited (NS)

3.77

3.79

3.51

Contact Energy Limited

6.29

6.43

5.82

Fletcher Building Limited

5.23

5.34

4.78

Port of Tauranga Limited (NS)

5.22

5.26

4.9

Listed Agri Shares

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

440

The a2 Milk Company Limited

13.200

13.750

10.420

4.790

4.830

4.360

3065

3060

2830

420

9.470

9.960

9.400

SMP

2490

2490

2350

400

Delegat Group Limited Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

4.670

4.850

4.610

Foley Wines Limited

1.540

1.550

1.470

AMF

5450

5450

5210

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

0.850

0.850

0.750

Butter

4465

4455

4250

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.180

2.280

2.100

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.550

0.560

0.470

Milk Price

6.35

6.28

6.23

Sanford Limited (NS)

6.890

6.980

6.500

Scales Corporation Limited

4.600

4.600

4.340

SeaDragon Limited

0.002

0.003

0.002

Seeka Limited

4.350

4.350

4.200

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

9.670

10.150

8.860

$/tonne

WMP

Comvita Limited

380 360 340 320

Jan-18

* price as at close of business on Thursday

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Mar-18

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

3400

350

3000

$/tonne

US$/t

3200

2800 2600 2400

Feb

Mar Apr Latest price

May Jun 4 weeks ago

Jul

300

T&G Global Limited

2.810

2.810

2.770

S&P/NZX Primary Sector Equity

16034

16034

15063

S&P/NZX 50 Index

9285

9333

8732

S&P/NZX 10 Index

8911

8991

8280

250 200

Jan-18 Mar-18

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR EQUITY

May-18

Jul-18

Sep-18

Nov-18

Jan-19

16034

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

9285

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

8911

NI STEER ( $/KG)

5.30

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB ( $/KG)

6.85

NI SLAUGHTER MUTTON ( $/KG)

5.00

PRIME HEREFORD-CROSS STEERS, 545-680KG, AT TEMUKA ( $/KG LW)

1.63

Most places are drying out NORTH ISLAND

N

ORTHLAND was pegging along okay compared to the rest of the country but is now drying out fast. There’s so much rank, dry, seedheady grass about it could be a fire risk.

Stock seem to be handling the hot dry conditions. It has been a good growing season for animals.

Around Pukekohe all crops are thirsty but they are often not getting enough to drink because there are not enough irrigators to go around or there’s a shortage of water. Hard, dry ground has developed into deep cracks in potato fields, which is allowing the tuber moth to jump in and damage the crop. There could be a lot of rejected potatoes because of the moth as well as insufficient moisture in the growing cycle. Late sown onions are being hit hard by various insect pests too.

In Waikato all eyes are on the long-term forecast. It looks like a tropical cyclone building up near New Caledonia might deliver rain next weekend and that would be a huge relief. It’s crispy underfoot on farms and tinder dry. We’re told if you sneeze the clover falls apart. Some farmers are starting to green feed the maize growing in the paddocks rather than waiting to harvest it all. They get a chopper in and chop up a small section, put it in their trailer and dish it out to the cows and they love it. They are getting more than half their daily needs from feed other than grass.

Bay of Plenty is very dry but there have been some lovely, heavy dews.

Farmers are starting to make some serious decisions about off-loading stock – lambs are really struggling in the heat.

January delivered just 42mm of rain and there’s been none since January 24. Dairy farmers are looking at dropping to once a day milking for both feed and animal welfare reasons. Walking the cows to the shed in the full sun in 34C heat is hard on them. Avocado growers are pleased the season is over. The last exports left a week ago. It has been a very difficult season after an overestimation of the crop made things difficult for exporters. Wet weather early in the season made picking tricky and there have been problems with storage and rot so it’s been a challenge to keep the quality up in the marketplace.

On top of that prices were down. Growers will receive about $18 to $20 a tray. Last year there were record returns of $30 to $40 a tray. The good news is the fruit set for next year is indicating there’ll be a big crop.

In Taranaki the heat is causing milk production to slip away. Coastal north Taranaki is very dry. There is a lot of feeding out taking place and because of the shortage of feed animals are being culled. If steady rain arrives soon, though, the province should recover very quickly.

The Gisborne region is the envy of the country. It’s had enough rain every two weeks, keeping it ticking over and is swimming in feed. Sheep and beef farmers are in a great spot.

Hawke’s Bay grape vines are enjoying the heat – they are well into veraison, which is when the colour changes, the

CLOSE CALL: Tasman farmer Tim King surveys his farm after fire swept through last week.

Photo: Tim Cuff

berries soften and they start to look like bunches of grapes. The early varieties are a month from harvest and the nets are going on. The grower we spoke to is yet to turn on his irrigation system but it might happen this week. He usually flicks the switch in November. It was very wet early in the season and that’s made for a hugely labour-intensive few months for grape growers battling to contain all the growth, working to keep the grass under control and trying to keep on top of downy mildew. On pastoral farms heavy crops of hay are being made. Conditions in Hawke’s Bay have been brilliant for bringing up the colour in apples – there have been cool nights and foggy mornings.

Wairarapa is exceptionally dry all of a sudden with only a few millimetres of rain this month. Water restrictions are being looked at for Masterton and maize harvesting is starting now, about a month early because the crop’s going off. This is coming after a frantic two weeks of barley harvesting, held up by earlier damp conditions. On dairy farms milk production is dropping. Vineyard managers are very happy with the conditions.

Horowhenua has had a few drops of rain but not enough. Vegetable crops are being irrigated.

SOUTH ISLAND ACROSS Cook Strait and in Tasman, as everyone recovers from the devastating fires, a severe drought is enveloping the region. Water restrictions are in place around Nelson as rivers and aquifer levels continue dropping. There’s been no rain to speak of since Christmas.

From Monday onwards on the Waimea Plains irrigation restrictions will go down to 35% of the normal water allocation.

Fruit growers will need to make decisions about which blocks to turn water off to and the economic consequences of doing that. Early apple and pear harvesting starts next week.

Marlborough has been hot so perfect conditions for grape growing as long as growers can get water to the vines. That is challenging as the Southern Valley Water Scheme has been turned off so the water needs to come from elsewhere.

Some vineyards are trucking water in but that is expensive while others have dams for when this happens and they have a three-week watering capacity. Spraying for powdery mildew and botrytis is continuing as harvesting gets nearer. On hill country farms the ram is going out in four weeks so ewes are being brought in for condition scoring. Any on the light side will be given an extra meal or two and they are all going onto a high-protein diet now to help conception rates.

It has been very hot on the West Coast.

A farmer at Runanga says they have had a good dose of rain and it was needed as the heat dries out the ground quickly. When we called he was working a paddock in his tractor. He’d burnt it off as part of a redevelopment plan to get rid of rushes and gorse. Milk production is still up on last year on most farms, pregnancy testing results are looking okay and cows are moving onto the summer turnip crop.

Another hot dry week in Mid Canterbury allowed arable farmers to take full advantage of the conditions. The bulk of the harvest has been done with later crops still to go. Pasture growth has slowed with the heat over the last few weeks. As a result, most dairy farms are feeding supplements.

The biggest issue in Central Otago is the fire hazard but the threat was dampened on Thursday night after 8mm of rain. Everyone’s making tonnes of hay.

One farmer at Oturehua says there are two winters’ worth in the shed already.

Lambs are heading to the freezing works.

It’s taken longer to finish them this season as there’s been so much growth and they actually prefer it when feed is shorter.

Farmers are fly control crutching and early autumn shearing is under way.

Eastern Southland had a bit of rain last week and more will be welcomed as it has been a dry summer. Grass is still growing but some ridges have browned off. As a result, the swede crop for winter is struggling but fodder beet is doing okay. Mating results for dairy cows are looking mediocre due to the stop-start growth rates and poor grass quality. In milk production, farmers who have been throwing supplementary feed at cows are up on last year. Our contact, who farms between Edenalde and Mataura, is up 15% so it’s a great season for him so far.

Courtesy of Radio New Zealand Country Life You can listen to Country Life on RNZ at 9pm every Friday and 7am on Saturday or on podcast at radionz.co.nz/countrylife

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45

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

46

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

Weather bites on-farm sale The Rollesby Valley on-farm sale was held a few weeks too late this season, as the grass market that has kept prices buoyant has disappeared, leaving buyers looking only at the margins between buying and current and forecasted lamb schedules. Halfbred lambs still made respectable values but there was a noted drop in price for crossbred lambs across all properties.

NORTHLAND Wellsford store cattle sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 405-411kg, eased to $2.80-$2.86/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 360-376kg, softened to $2.59-$2.66/ kg • R2 Angus-Friesian heifers, 415kg, traded at $2.45/kg A small yarding of 200 cattle sold at WELLSFORD last Monday, with heifers making up the majority and most selling at softer levels.

Eleven R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 368kg pushed to $3.22/kg, while their sisters, 324-359kg, managed $2.70$2.81/kg.

Wellsford dairy beef steer and heifer weaner fair; weaner bull fair • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers, 255-336kg, eased to $820$995 • Hereford-cross steers, 131-133kg, softened to $490-$500 • Hereford-Friesian heifers, 100-144kg, eased to $415-$590 • Friesian bulls, 155-201kg, were back at $575-$645 • Friesian bulls, 126-140kg, traded at $505-$535 There was a marked drop in price on 2018 levels at both dairy-beef weaner fairs held at WELLSFORD last week. The current dry conditions are having a two-fold effect with vendors needing to offload and buyers more cautious.

Last Tuesday’s sale was a very big day with close to 2000 steers and heifers yarded, and most traded at an $80-$180 discount on the year prior. Angus-Friesian heifers, 144175kg, fetched $500-$550, and steers, 154-215kg, $580-$705.

Wednesday’s sale had just under 550 bulls yarded and it was a similar story, with the majority dropping $125-$200.

COUNTIES Tuakau sales • R2 Angus bulls, 365kg, made $1050, $2.87/kg • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 121kg, earned $640 • Heavy prime steers eased to $2.65-$2.68/kg • Top prime ewes sold to $178 A small yarding of store cattle was presented at TUAKAU last Thursday, and the market softened, Karl Chitham of Carrfields Livestock reported.

Beef and dairy-beef steers, 450-550kg, made $2.56-$2.78/ kg, with most R2 steers, 350-400kg, selling at $2.62-$2.71/ kg.

Red-bodied Hereford-Friesian heifers, 436kg, traded at $2.48/kg, and most R2 heifers, 270-340kg, fetched $745$910. Hereford-Friesian weaners, 136kg, made $560.

Prime steers and heifers came back 15c/kg last Wednesday. Medium steers sold to $2.61-$2.65/kg, and heavy heifers, $2.55-$2.61/kg. Carry-over Friesian cows, 640kg, earned $1.86/kg, medium boners $1.55-$1.64/kg, and light $1.39-$1.53/kg.

Heavy prime lambs sold up to $164 last Monday. Goodmedium primes returned $125-$140, and stores $60-$92.

Good-medium ewes made $118-$138, and light $60-$98.

WAIKATO Frankton dairy-beef weaner fair • Angus-cross heifers, 121-129kg, held at $432-$475 • Hereford-Friesian steers, 162kg, earned $708 • Angus bulls, 129-130kg, fetched $590 • Hereford-Friesian bulls, 117-118kg, improved to $620-$635 • Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian steers, 181-199kg, returned $690$715 Heifer numbers increased at FRANKTON last Tuesday, pushing tallies to 800. A good-sized buying bench was present and there was strong competition for quality lines.

Heifers were steady to lifting and Angus-cross, 96-98kg, earned $325. Hereford-Friesian, 102-110kg, improved to $435-$488, and, 86-92kg, $350-$355.

Hereford-Friesian bulls, 97kg, firmed to $550, as did Friesian, 132-174kg to $505-$590, and 120kg up to $452.

Autumn-born Friesian bulls, 174-206kg, returned $540$615.

Hereford-Friesian steers, 110-131kg, improved to $510$625.

Frankton store and prime cattle • R3 beef-dairy steers, 457-529kg, eased to $2.58-$2.67/kg • R3 Angus-Friesian heifers, 414-415kg, traded at $2.49-$2.52/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 330-382kg, held at $2.80-$2.88/kg • R2 Charolais-cross steers, 465kg, earned $2.86/kg

• Prime Hereford-cross heifers, 472-533kg, softened to $2.49-$2.60/ kg Continuing dry conditions more than doubled throughput at FRANKTON last Wednesday, and the market eased for most.

R3 beef-cross steers, 446-542kg, traded at $2.58-$2.67/kg, and Friesian-cross, 407-575kg, $2.46-$2.61/kg. Angus and Angus-cross heifers, 422-446kg, earned $2.52-$2.57/kg.

R2 Hereford-Friesian steers had mixed results with 403-505kg easing to $2.65-$2.70/kg, though 309kg reached $3.04/kg. Ten Charolais heifers, 371kg, sold well at $2.82/kg, while Hereford-Friesian heifers, 312-421kg, eased to $2.42$2.62/kg. Friesian bulls, 329-357kg, held at $2.72/kg, whilst Friesian-cross, 369-423kg, eased to $2.34-$2.43/kg.

The prime market also softened with Hereford-cross steers, 549-628kg, back to $2.64-$2.71/kg. Beef-dairy steers, 565-633kg, eased to $2.60-$2.72/kg, as did their sisters, 461539kg, to $2.54-$2.59/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY Rangiuru cattle sale • Boner Friesian & Friesian-cross cows, 426-534kg, eased to $1.39$1.48/kg • Boner Jersey cows, 376-384kg, eased to $1.12-$1.20/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 359-382kg, eased to $2.75-$2.79/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 332-402kg, eased to $2.54-$2.57/kg • Most beef-cross and beef-Friesian heifers, 85-114kg, made $300$340 Cull dairy cows filled numerous pens at RANGIURU last Tuesday, as pregnancy testing takes place and empty cows are offloaded. The market was softer though met expectations.

Prime steers reflected easing schedules and tight space, with good beef and exotic lines making $2.62-$2.73/kg, and dairy-beef, 515-611kg, $2.50-$2.58/kg. Beef-Friesian heifers, 520-546kg, traded at $2.48-$2.53/kg.

Around 400 store cattle were penned, and bidding was selective. R2 Friesian heifers, 330-402kg, varied from $2.02/ kg to $2.23/kg.

Weaner prices were mixed as Hereford-cross steers, 110kg, made $410, and Hereford-Friesian bulls, 130-155kg, $590-$620, though lesser bulls were discounted to $330$360. Friesian bulls, 140-174kg, earned $520-$595.

TARANAKI Taranaki cattle fair • R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 496-557kg, came back to $2.68-$2.72/ kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 361-433kg, came back to $2.80-$2.94/ kg • R2 Angus-Friesian steers, 432-449kg, made $2.69-$2.74/kg • R2 Beef-Friesian heifers, 368-407kg, eased to $2.51-$2.62/kg • Autumn-born Angus-Friesian steers, 359-383kg, made $2.66$2.74/kg The grass market has gone and prices at the TARANAKI cattle fair last Wednesday were well back on January fair levels. $3.00/kg plus was uncommon, with two lines of R2 steers and one of heifers managing to push past. Nine Charolais-cross steers, 435kg, managed $3.10/kg. R3 steers lost 15-25c/kg, though R2 fell by 20-30c/kg. Second cuts of Hereford-Friesian, 317-426kg, traded at $2.69-$2.77/kg.

Heifers lost ground on the last fair, though firmed compared to the previous week. A stand-out line of young Hereford heifers, 297kg, reached $3.20/kg.

Vetted-in-calf beef-Friesian heifers to a Hereford bull sold for $1200-$1300, while Murray Grey-cross to a Murray Grey bull made $800.

POVERTY BAY Matawhero cattle sale • R3 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 470-495kg, made $3.16$3.21/kg • R3 Charolais and South Devon steers, 470-525kg, earned $3.05$3.17/kg • R2 Angus steers, 380-415kg, sold well at $3.30-$3.42/kg • R2 Charolais-cross steers, 425-480kg, made $3.17-$3.32/kg • R2 Charolais heifers, 360-385kg, earned $2.86/kg The first MATAWHERO cattle fair for 2019 had mixed results, with demand notably decreasing once the good heifers were sold.

Just over 1400 were offered and included a consignment of 500 traditional and exotic steers, which sold mainly to

Manawatu and Hawkes Bay. Demand held through the R2 steer pens and 10c/kg added onto the R3 prices.

Angus-cross and Charolais heifers sold to current market value, but lesser lines were discounted with some dropping as low as $2.50/kg. Angus-cross bulls, 345-350kg, made $2.86-$2.87/kg, while Friesian, 365kg, fetched $2.90/ kg. Other lines sold to a selective bench, which was also repeated in a small weaner section.

Matawhero sheep sale • Medium to good male lambs made $100-$114 • Medium ram lambs earned $106 • All ewe lambs sold for $90-$101, from medium to good The hot days brought caution to the sheep sale at MATAWHERO last Friday. Store lamb volume grew to just over 1000 head, but prices eased.

Two main lines of breeding ewes were penned, including 52 two-tooth Romney at $153, and a line of two and fourtooth Dorper, $134.

Prime lambs eased and most sold for $121-$131.50, though lesser ram lambs made $110-$113.

HAWKE’S BAY Stortford Lodge prime sale • Very good Devon steers, 717kg, earned $2.81/kg • Very heavy male lambs improved to $141-$174 • Good to heavy mixed sex lambs lifted to $135.50-$144 • Heavy ewes eased to $140-$151 • Medium-good ewes improved to $128-$130 A small yarding of cattle was on offer at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday and traded well. Steers, 485-785kg, earned $2.72-$2.80/kg regardless of breed, and all heifers, 479-606kg, returned $2.67-$2.69/kg.

The sheep section was a game of two halves, with a small lamb sale improving, while a mixed quality ewe yarding tripled in volume and softened for most.

Medium good mixed sex lambs improved to $115-$135, though very heavy mixed sex softened to $149-$154.50.

Nine very heavy ewes reached $168, while medium types eased to $116.50-$120, and light came back to $70-$115.

Stortford Lodge store cattle and sheep sale • Medium to good male lambs sold for $110-$126 • Medium to good ewe lambs made $96-$115 • R2 Angus steers, 398kg, earned $3.34/kg • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 357-372kg, held at $2.82-$2.84/kg • Friesian cows, 488-578kg, sold well at $1.80/kg Store lamb volume was low at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, with half the yarding one consignment of shorn cryptorchid and ewe lambs. Prices were solid, and medium ewe lambs made $102. Five-year Romdale ewes earned $130-$160.

Few store cattle came forward but there was good variety in the pens. R2 Devon-cross steers, 370-410kg, sold for $1220-$1340, with the lighter line at $3.46/kg.

One local buyer took most of the weaner Friesian bulls and 159-203kg made $600-$675, while 136-180kg earned $500-$540.

Dannevirke adult steer fair • R3 Angus steers, 576-630kg, earned $1605-$1770, $2.79-$2.87/kg • Good R2 Angus steers traded at $1420-$1545 • Medium-good R2 Angus steers sold for $1305-$1480 • Most R2 Angus-Hereford steers earned $1310-$1490 • Good R2 Charolais steers made $1535-$1605 The second opportunity to buy large volumes of traditional steers presented itself at DANNEVIRKE last Thursday, where 1500 mainly traditional steers were offered. Manawatu buyers were very strong on the R3 cattle, while most R2 lines went to Hawke’s Bay. Cattle sold to expectations with R3 steers firm on 2018 levels, and the top price went to a line of 720kg Simmentalcross at $2005. R2 steers sold on a steady market, and the section was topped by Angus-Hereford at $1610 and Charolais-cross, $1680.

MANAWATU Feilding prime cattle and sheep sale • Heavy mixed sex lambs eased to $134.50-$152 • Medium-good ewes firmed to $118-$132 • Beef-Friesian cows, 566-598kg, traded at $1.79-$1.89/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 450-575kg, eased to $1.53-$1.69/kg Farmers have hit the offload button as paddocks dry out fast, with a significant increase in sheep at FEILDING last Monday, as well as cows. It was a 50-50 split in the sheep pens between the lambs and ewes, equating to just over 9400 head.

Heavy lambs eased with males making $138-$149, while a larger number were medium types that earned $118-$133.

Third cuts sold for $81-$106.

Extra buying power firmed the ewe market. Very good and heavy ewes sold for $166-$179, and good, $134-$150.

Lesser ewes traded at $70-$115.

Boner cows eased 5-8c/kg, with 585-594kg making $1.71/ kg. Jersey cows, 388-421kg, made $1.37-$1.41/kg.

SALE YARD WRAP

FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019

47

PLENTY TO OFFER: PGG Wrightson’s team surveys the lambs at Airies Station in the MacKenzie Country on Thursday.

Rongotea cattle sale • R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 407-505kg, firmed to $2.65-$2.77/kg • R3 and R2 Hereford-Friesian steers all eased to $2.50-$2.59/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 95-117kg, earned $300-$365 • Weaner Hereford-Friesian steers, 160-167kg, traded at $490-$640 • Boner Friesian and crossbred cows, 473-670kg, fetched $1.50$1.62/kg Medium to long-term cattle came back at RONGOTEA last Wednesday as the grass market diminishes, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported.

Hereford-Friesian heifers were the highlight in the R2 pens, while beef steers, 520-527kg, made $2.47-$2.48/kg. Beef and beef-cross bulls of same weight earned $2.33-$2.44/ kg, and Friesian, 470-514kg, varied from $2.15/kg to $2.49/ kg. Jersey, 550-610kg, made $1.96-$2.06/kg. The best of the Friesian heifers reached $2.44/kg but most others of that breed and crossbred traded at $1.76-$2.02/kg.

Weaners were hard work and Hereford-Friesian bulls, 105-190kg, made $460-$535, while heifers, 98-232kg, returned $390-$600. Most other types were off that pace.

Boner Jersey cows, 350-433kg, returned $1.28-$1.31/kg.

Feilding dairy beef weaner fair • Hereford-Friesian weaner bulls, 145-146kg, made $690-$695 • Beef-Dairy weaner steers, 119-145kg, made $570-$580 The dairy-beef weaner fair at FEILDING attracted the smallest crowd of all the previous fairs. The offering was equally as small with only 911 head on offer. Stock were all well presented in heavier weights than the last fair. Bulls sold on a softer market although Hereford-Friesian lines proved popular, holding prices steady. Heifers did well with a line of Hereford-Friesian, 130kg, making $538. AngusFriesian steers, 153kg sold well at $670.

Feilding store sale • Angus-Hereford R3 steer, 657kg, made $2.78 • Hereford-Friesian R2 heifers, 367-375kg, sold steady at $2.67$2.70/kg.

• Rams, 38-40kg, lifted to $124 • Ewe lambs, 32-34kg, made $113 This week’s store sheep and cattle sale at FEILDING was met by a very small crowd. Another small volume of cattle were on offer. Buyers were mainly local in the cattle pens, and some good buys were to be made. More R3 cattle were on offer, although prices softened. The top price R3 steer were South Devon, 564kg making $2.80/kg. The lambs managed to hold a little steadier than the cattle although most categories eased. Cryptorchid 32-34kg eased to $100.50, while heavier 44-46kg sold for $120. Ewes softened this week, 2th Romneys made only $138-$158.

CANTERBURY Canterbury Park prime cattle and sheep sale • Medium-good mixed sex lambs came back to $90-$113 • Light-medium male and ewe lambs made $85-$90 • Prime lambs eased to $100-$158 • Prime Angus steers, 515-635kg, eased to $2.81/kg • Prime beef-cross heifers, 550-615kg, eased to $2.58/kg There was a softer tone across most of the sale at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday, as dry conditions lessen

demand for store lambs, while limited space did the same for cattle.

Store lamb volume lifted to 4500 head and prices came back. Short term male and ewe lamb lines were resilient, trading at $110-$121, but mixed sex dropped with light to medium making $67-$84.

Prime ewes held, though there was a larger very light end at $34-$70. Prices of $110-$157 were common for the majority, and very heavy types reached $189-$220.

Strong prices attracted more steers to market, which made buying easier and prices softened. Beef-cross and Hereford-Friesian traded at $2.65-$2.75/kg. HerefordFriesian heifers, 519-558kg, made $2.54-$2.55/kg.

The only other feature was a few boner cows, and Friesian, 610-716kg, sold to $1.62-$1.67/kg.

Coalgate cattle and sheep sale • Store lambs eased with good types at $100-$116 • Medium store lambs made $70-$99 • Prime lambs eased to $120-$149 • Boner dairy heifers, 415-445kg, made $1.92-$2.00/kg • R2 traditional steers, 378-408kg, made $3.14-$3.24/kg Dry conditions impacted the store markets at COALGATE last Thursday, while easing schedules affected prime prices.

Store lamb tallies grew to 3500 and prices came back $10.

Light lambs sold for $40-$65.

Ewe’s held and two-tooth’s made $122-$182, while good mixed age sold for $160-$189, and medium, $120-$159.

The cattle section was hard work, with selective bidding on all types. Prime beef and beef-cross steers varied from $2.55/kg to $2.83/kg, while bulls, 465-600kg, eased to $2.20$2.30/kg.

R2 traditional steers sold well but their sisters only managed $2.10-$2.47/kg. Hereford-Friesian steers, 383418kg, eased to $2.54-$2.61/kg, bettered by heifers, 340386kg, $2.56-$2.65/kg.

A small weaner section struggled, with the best steers making $480 and Speckle Park-cross mixed sex, 110kg, $445.

SOUTH-CANTERBURY Temuka cattle and sheep sale • Medium-good mixed sex lambs eased to $100-$110 • Medium-good halfbred mixed sex sold for $90-$101 • Prime Hereford-cross steers, 545-720kg, came back to $2.62/kg • Traditional bulls, 645-778kg, held at $2.70-$2.83/kg • Boner Friesian cows, 595-645kg, came back to $1.60-$1.65/kg Cattle are flowing freely to the processors, which meant less competition at TEMUKA last Monday. Annual draft lambs boosted volume to 5200, with adequate results.

Store lamb weights were much better due to a lift in quality, though the market did come back. Good mixed sex made $103-$134, and ewe lambs, $108-$112. A line of medium halfbred ewe lambs sold well at $115.

An extra buyer on prime lambs helped firm the market and most sold for $120-$148. Ewes however could not hold, and prices eased as the majority made $110-$166, and lighter, $80-$108.

All bar the bulls came back in price with prime steers and heifers losing 15c/kg. Beef and beef-cross heifers, 425-

590kg, traded at $2.43-$2.52/kg.

Bulls were a highlight and Jersey, 478-503kg, firmed to $2.38-$2.45/kg.

Boner cows lost 27-37c/kg with most Friesian earning $1.40-$1.50/kg, while boner heifers were more resilient and Friesian, 530-535kg, managed $2.35/kg, but 452-465kg dropped to $2.02-$2.13/kg.

Rollesby Valley on-farm sales • Top halfbred wether lambs made $115-$127 • Top crossbred lambs sold to $132 • Most crossbred lambs traded at $95-$110 The ROLLESBY VALLEY on-farm sales in South Canterbury is always a highlight on the sales calendar, featuring 12 properties and around 22,000 lambs. Last Thursday though the dry conditions had a big impact on prices as the grass market has dissipated, and vendors had to meet the market at reduced levels, PGG Wrightson agent Jonty Hyslop reported.

Halfbred lambs were the highlight, with most trading at $86-$124, while crossbred lambs proved to be harder work, and most properties averaged just over $90. The lightest pen of the day sold for $65.

OTAGO Balclutha sale • Heavy prime lambs eased to $140-$150 • Second and third cuts of prime lambs eased to $100-$125 • Heavy ewes firmed to $170-$190 • Light to medium ewes sold for $115-$150 • Store lambs eased to $80-$112

SOUTHLAND Charlton sheep sale • Store lambs eased to $85-$115 • Medium to heavy prime lambs also eased to $125-$152 • Medium prime lambs held at $110-$122 • Prime ewes firmed to $120-$165 • Rams sold for $100-$130 Lorneville cattle and sheep sale • Store lambs sold for $80-$115 • Prime lambs firmed to $118-$152 • Prime ewes also firmed to $90-$170 • Boner cows, 450-600kg, made $1.60-$1.70/kg • Weaner Friesian bulls, 110-140kg, made $360-$450 Sheep prices were solid at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. A line of Border-Leicester Perendale two-tooth ewes reached $252.

Cattle entries were up and mostly consisted of boner cows and calves. Heavy boner cows sold for $1.80-$1.90/ kg, while dairy heifers, 330-400kg, returned $1.80-$2.15/ kg. Steers sold to $2.62/kg, and beef-cross heifers, $2.40/kg.

Heavy bulls made $2.70-$2.80/kg and 385-420kg, $2.20$2.25/kg.

R2 beef-cross steers, 374kg, made $2.86/kg, and heifers, 300kg, $2.70/kg. Friesian bulls, 410-424kg, represented good buying at $2.19-$2.21/kg.

Weaner Hereford-cross bulls traded at $450-$550, with heifers similar.

Markets

48 FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 18, 2019 NI BULL

SI STEER

SI COW

($/KG)

($/KG)

FRIESIAN BULLS, 130-140KG, AT FEILDING WEANER FAIR

($/KG)

($/HD LW)

5.00

5.10

3.75

550

Lamb prices won’t fall far

L

Alan Williams alan.williams@globalhq.co.nz

AMB schedules might not fall any more than 20c to 30c a kilogram from current elevated levels once the Easter chilled programme has run its course over the next couple of weeks, Affco general manager Nigel Stevens says.

A proviso is events can change quickly and there is considerable uncertainty over issues like Brexit and foreign exchange impacts, Stevens said.

Both Affco and Silver Fern Farms report stock flows into processing plants are building-up rapidly with the demand for cattle kill putting more pressure on most of the companies than the lamb demand.

Affco plants across the North Island are full of lambs and working to capacity but there is a reasonable balance between bookings and processing capacity, avoiding significant delays.

After a very slow first three or four months as lambs struggled to reach target weights in damp conditions the warmer conditions in recent weeks mean processing volumes have now reached their usual levels.

From being about 6% below last season’s levels in the week ending January 12 the North Island kill is now down about 3.5% or 130,000 lambs, Stevens estimated.

In contrast, the South Island remains slow, down by about 15% on last season.

Affco’s Easter chilled programme will be completed by the end of February and livestock volumes have been consistent with forecast and match sale orders.

North Island mutton volumes are down at 11% on last season and South Island down nearly 30%.

Affco is now getting significant cattle volumes following the slow first-quarter when farmers used plentiful feed to get weight on their animals. Bookings are in excess of capacity for all cattle, including cows.

“It’s always difficult to look too far ahead with cattle volumes being

POPULAR: Both traditional and exotic steers sold well at Matawhero last week.

It’s dry and farmers are getting nervous.

Dan Boulton Silver Fern Farms dependent on how weather conditions unfold over the next few weeks.”

Silver Fern Farms is now also flat-tack with cattle processing, supply chain general manager Dan Boulton said.

“We’re doing overtime where we need to, daily and on Saturdays, and we expect this for the next couple of weeks.

It’s dry and farmers are getting nervous.”

Stock flows in the North Island have been picking up for a while and the lower North Island has now joined in. If anything, South Island stock flows are putting more pressure on capacity.

There are no long waiting times yet for cattle bookings but that could change if the weather remained as dry as it has been, Boulton said.

He also reported strong lamb flows and the company is on top of its Easter chilled programme. South Island supply is well balanced.

“We’re getting a constant flow in the lower South Island but the upper part has been tougher for lambs getting to target weights and some killing is being deferred.”

$3.16-$3.21 high $115-$127 Traditional steers, lights Good halfbred wether R3 470-495kg, at lambs at Rollesby Valley on-farm sales

Matawhero Cattle Fair

ACROSS THE RAILS SUZ BREMNER

A sea of traditional cattle is a fantastic sight WHAT beef farmer doesn’t love casting an eye over a sea of well-bred traditional cattle, shining in the East Coast sunshine on a hot summer day. I know it makes me smile to see such a line-up and last week two prominent fairs on the east coast of the North Island were looked on by many with satisfaction.

On Tuesday the first Matawhero cattle fair for 2019 played host to 1400 mainly traditional and exotic R3 and R2 steers while Dannevirke opened its gates on Thursday for similar volumes of similar cattle. Sales of these size and type of cattle don’t come along too often, offering buyers the best chance to bid on top notch traditional and exotic steers in high volumes. The main players in both the markets hail from Manawatu and Central Hawke’s Bay and with contracts above everyday prices tend to be very hard to beat by your average Joe Buyer who comes along. The big line sizes are a real attraction with unit-loads full with just a few well-placed bids.

There was no denying the high demand for the quality lines at Matawhero’s fair and R3 Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 470-495kg, easily sold to $1505-$1575, $3.16-$3.21/kg while heavier weights for exotic steers, 485525kg, meant higher per-head prices up to $1650 though slightly lower dollars per kilo at $3.05-$3.17/kg. R2 steers added 10c/kg to their older brothers’ prices and Angus, 380-415kg, all traded at $3.30-$3.42/kg.

At Dannevirke it was all about the annual draft cattle and traditional breeds easily dominated. A sea of black greeted salegoers, broken only by a few whiteheads and half a dozen pens of exotics. No weights are recorded at this yard but buyers don’t need them to know the growth potential of these cattle because many have bought them before.

The best of the R3 Angus made $1600-$1770, which covered the majority, while R2 Angus mostly traded at $1350-$1550. Angus-Hereford were right on the money too with the top line making $1610 and the bulk of the balance, $1380-$1490. suz.bremner@globalhq.co.nz

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